Biden-Harris Administration Invests $152M to Expand Water Storage in the West
A $152 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced by the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI). This investment is to bring clean, reliable drinking water to Western communities through six water storage and conveyance projects. Located throughout California, Colorado and Washington, the projects are expected to develop at least 1.7 million acre-feet of additional water storage capacity, equivalent to supporting 6.8 million people a year. Once completed, the funding will also invest in a feasibility study that could advance water storage capacity.
According to DOI, “In the wake of severe drought across the West, the Department is putting funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to work to provide clean, reliable drinking water to families, farmers and Tribes throughout the West,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through the investments we’re announcing today, we will expedite essential water storage projects and provide increased water security to Western communities.”
“Water is essential to every community – for feeding families, growing crops, powering agricultural businesses and sustaining wildlife,” said Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. “Our investment in these projects will increase water storage capacity and lay conveyance pipeline to deliver reliable and safe drinking water and build resiliency for communities most impacted by drought.”
