CAP reviews $12bn Colorado River augmentation bill

CAP reviews $12bn Colorado River augmentation billA new Arizona-backed federal proposal would support storage, conveyance, desalination, recycling, advanced treatment and aquifer recharge across the Colorado River Basin, while directing restoration of the Yuma Desalting Plant. CAP has yet to take a position on the measure.

H.R. 10420, introduced on 16 September by Representative Andy Biggs, would authorise $12 billion for Colorado River Basin water-supply augmentation projects.

The bill would create a $5 billion augmentation programme offering federal financial assistance at a 2:1 match for eligible project costs.

It would require the Department of the Interior to restore the Yuma Desalting Plant and establish a Mexico Desalination Program, with $1 billion authorised for each.

CAP staff said the 26-page bill remains under review and that no position is being recommended at this stage.

Central Arizona Project’s Public Policy Committee has been briefed on federal legislation that would establish major new programmes for water-supply augmentation in the Colorado River Basin, including a $12 billion authorisation for project development and a separate $5 billion cost-share programme. The Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act, H.R. 10420, was introduced by Representative Andy Biggs on 16 September and referred to the House Natural Resources and Foreign Affairs committees. The House then recessed, leaving limited legislative days when Congress returns on 9 November for its post-election session. Jeff Gray, CAP’s legislative affairs manager, told the committee that staff were still working through the 26-page bill and were not recommending a CAP position. Although the proposal contains provisions that “seem on the surface positive,” staff were continuing to assess provisions concerning projects in California, Nevada and the Upper Basin, he said. The bill would authorise $12 billion in appropriations for a programme to investigate, plan, design and construct Basin water-supply augmentation projects. Eligible categories include storage, conveyance, desalination, recycling, advanced treatment and aquifer recharge. Projects could proceed to construction following completion or acceptance of a feasibility study without additional congressional authorisation. It would also establish an augmentation programme providing federal financial assistance at a 2:1 match for eligible project costs, with $5 billion authorised. The programme would prioritise projects that produce measurable additional water supplies or reduce dependence on existing Colorado River supplies. Other provisions would require the Department of the Interior to restore operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant and create a Mexico Desalination Program to facilitate seawater desalination facilities in Mexico. The proposal authorises $1 billion for each programme; the Mexican facilities could offset or reduce Colorado River deliveries required under the 1944 US-Mexico Water Treaty. The measure would also direct Interior to consider existing studies when evaluating projects and to prioritise those increasing reliable supplies or reducing reliance on Colorado River water. It contains exemptions for defined “covered projects” from the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Gray said the bill faces a long route through Congress, requiring House and Senate hearings and passage before it could reach the President. CAP staff said they could return with a position in November if there is a path forward for the legislation.