Senator highlights positive impacts of her bipartisan infrastructure law on Western water, discusses challenges facing rural and urban farmers and ranchers
GILBERT – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema held a roundtable discussion with Arizona farmers and ranchers to discuss the positive and lasting impact of her bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law on Arizona’s agriculture and water future.
The Arizona Farm Bureau also presented Sinema with the “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award – a distinction she also earned during the 116th Congress for her strong support for Arizona’s agriculture.
“Today’s roundtable presented another opportunity to hear the needs of Arizona’s farmers and ranchers, and how we can partner to strengthen our agricultural industry and secure our state’s water future,” said Sinema, co-author and negotiator of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law.
Sinema and the roundtable participants discussed the value of her bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law on the lining irrigation canals, repairs to aging infrastructure in rural communities, and the challenges urban farmers are facing obtaining water. Roundtable participants shared with Sinema the impact the Tier 1 Shortage declaration will have on rural agriculture, specifically in eastern Arizona, and priorities to include in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Sinema announced in January that a $82.8 million investment from her bipartisan infrastructure law was coming to Arizona, specifically to strengthen water systems and environmental infrastructure. Additionally, Sinema announced in January that over $50.5 million will be invested in Arizona in 2022 for critical drought relief measures from her bipartisan infrastructure law.
Sinema led negotiations with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, eight other Senators—four from each party—and the White House to craft the legislation.
HERE to learn more about how the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act impacts water systems and drought resilience.