Colorado OKs $17 million for drought, aging water infrastructure projects

(UC) — The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has unanimously approved the Governor Jared Polis’ request for $17 million to kick-start local-level implementation of the recently updated Colorado Water Plan.

“Colorado’s Water Plan sets a vision for vibrant communities, successful farming and ranching, thriving watersheds, and climate resilient planning,” Governor Polis said. “Prolonged drought and aging water infrastructure are major barriers to achieving that vision, particularly as Coloradans face a future with more people sharing less water. We remain undaunted by that challenge and I’m excited that together we can help overcome these barriers by investing needed resources and seizing upon opportunities to secure funds for locally-driven aging infrastructure and drought resiliency projects.”

This newly transferred funding is on top of an additional $3 million previously authorized to the Water Supply Reserve Fund. The recommendation to significantly increase the total amount of funding ($20 million) for basin wide and local water projects comes from severance tax revenue.

“This infusion of funding will directly positively impact Colorado’s local communities as they continue to experience the effects of a continued drought first-hand. Supported projects will include improving water delivery infrastructure for efficiency and resilience in both cities and agricultural areas,” said CWCB Director Becky Mitchell.

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