• $500 million allocated for Upper Basin States.
• Projects target drought impact mitigation.
• Application deadline: September 27, 2024.
• Funded by Inflation Reduction Act.

July 23, 2024 — The Department of the Interior announced a significant funding opportunity through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda yesterday. The funding, aimed at ecosystem and habitat restoration projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin, addresses drought-induced impacts. The Bureau of Reclamation backed this initiative using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, marking the largest-ever investment in climate resilience for Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

The Importance of the Colorado River.

The Colorado River Basin is vital, supplying water to over 40 million people, generating hydropower in seven states, serving 30 Tribal Nations and two Mexican states, and supporting 5.5 million acres of agriculture. Despite recent improvements, the region has experienced a historic 23-year drought, drastically reducing Lake Powell and Lake Mead water levels. The Biden-Harris administration has proactively addressed these issues to prevent critical reservoir levels that could jeopardize water delivery and power production.

A Comprehensive Drought Mitigation Effort.

“As communities across the West continue to face the impacts of prolonged and worsening drought, this funding will enhance watershed health and conservation throughout the Upper Basin,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. She emphasized the importance of this funding from the Investing in America agenda to ensure the sustainability of the Colorado River system for the families, farms, and economies reliant on it.

In October 2022, the Department invested in long-term system efficiency improvements across the basin, including $500 million for the Upper Basin States to enhance water conservation, environmental benefits, and ecosystem restoration. This funding is being implemented in two phases, with nearly $50 million already invested in a System Conservation Pilot Program (SCPP) in the Upper Colorado River Basin, conserving 104,000 acre-feet of water by September 2024.

“This phase of funding will deliver crucial environmental benefits, driving long-term conservation efforts and mitigating drought severity in each Upper Basin State,” said Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. She highlighted the collaborative efforts to leverage this historic investment from the Biden-Harris administration for ecosystem health and water resources.

Investing in America’s Future.

President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is the nation’s largest climate resilience investment, providing critical resources to enhance Western communities’ resilience to drought and climate change. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Reclamation is investing $8.3 billion over five years in water infrastructure projects, and the Inflation Reduction Act adds another $4.6 billion to bolster drought resilience in the West.

Public or Tribal entities, or those partnered with them, can apply for this funding. The Upper Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program website provides detailed application information and criteria. The application deadline is September 27, 2024, with selections expected by the end of 2024 or early 2025.