Gallego Celebrates Restoration of Colorado River Conservation Funding

Following multiple letters and close communication between Senator Gallego and the Administration, federal Colorado River conservation funds are once again flowing to projects across Arizona
PHOENIX– Today,Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, celebrated therestorationof millions of dollars in Colorado River conservation funding that had previously been frozen by the Trump Administration. The funding restoration comes after Senator Gallego sentmultiplelettersand spoke with the Administration about reversing the funding freeze.
“I’d like to thank the Department of Interior and Bureau of Reclamation for having open lines of communication and for listening when I explained how this funding freeze would negatively impact Arizona’s cities, tribes, and farmers – not to mention our state’s long-term water security,”said Senator Gallego. “When I came to the Senate, I promised to work with anyone and everyone to deliver for Arizonans. This is what that looks like.”
The restored funding was originally passed as part of the Gallego-backedInflation Reduction Act.
“The Gila River Indian Community appreciates Senator Gallego’s persistent commitment to ensuring the drought relief funds from the Inflation Reduction Act were released. The IRA funding for the Community’s water conservation projects and the projects throughout Arizona and the Colorado River Basin are critical to addressing our unprecedented drought. Senator Gallego knew the importance of drought funding when he fought for it to be included in the IRA and the Community is committed to being good stewards of that funding and providing water savings for the Basin,”said Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis.
The Arizona projectsannouncedby Senator Gallego in January are expected to conserve 64,500 acre-feet of water over the next ten years.
“I want to thank Senator Gallego for his steadfast commitment to Arizona’s water future and his tireless work with the U.S. Department of the Interior to ensure system conservation funds are made available,”said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “The leadership of Senators Gallego and Kelly has been critical in securing the resources needed to advance Tucson Water’s planned advanced water purification plant, a vital investment in our city’s long-term water security. With confirmation of the funds’ release, we’re excited to proceed with the project that will provide a sustainable water supply for the Tucson region.”