Sinema-backed bill would allow organizations like Arizona’s Salt River Project to store more water
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act – new legislation strengthening water security in Arizona and across the West by authorizing entities like the Salt River Project to store more water behind their dams and other infrastructure. Fellow Arizona Senator Mark Kelly introduced the legislation.
“As Arizona faces record drought conditions, we’re working together to deliver innovative solutions securing our water future. Our new bill expands our water storage capabilities to ensure a lasting water supply for generations to come,” said Sinema.
The Sinema-backed Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act provides the Army Corps with new authorities and programs, as well as modifies existing authorities, to strengthen drought resilience, including:
- Providing the authority to carry out water conservation measures such as increasing water storage at Army Corps dams, locks, reservoirs, and other Corps-owned infrastructure where water supply is an authorized purpose.
- Modifying operational procedures at Army Corps-owned facilities, as well as dams and reservoirs regulated by the Army Corps, to prioritize conserving water during times of drought.
- Establishing a new authority for the Army Corps to carry out drought resilience projects.
- Allowing other federal agencies and non-federal sponsors to make contributions to projects at Army Corps facilities so projects can be carried out quicker.
- Updating the project purpose of certain Army Corps dams to include conserving water resources, and allowing the governor or local sponsor of an Army Corps facility in a state served by the Colorado River to request their facility be operated with water supply as a project purpose.
- Permanently authorizing the Silver Jackets program, which funds teams made up of state, federal, and sometimes local agencies and Tribes to work together to reduce risk from floods and other natural hazards, including drought.
- Permanently authorizing the Tribal Partnership Program to provide more support to small and disadvantaged communities.
In response to worsening drought conditions facing farmers in the American West, Sinema launched a Water Advisory Council at the Hoover Dam – an assembly of Arizona water experts and key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds – to develop solutions securing the region’s water future.
Between Sinema’s bipartisan infrastructure law and the historic climate and energy law she shaped, the Senator has secured more than $12 billion in drought relief and Western water funding. Sinema routinely met with farmers, stakeholders, irrigation groups, tribal leaders, and her Water Advisory Council to ensure the funding is implemented efficiently and effectively.