Colorado Legislators Introduce Bill to Boost Water Funding by $20 million

(DENVER, CO – April 7, 2021) EDF Action today praised new bipartisan legislation to provide an additional $20 million for Colorado’s Water Plan. The bill, which would fund important and innovative river and water projects, is part of the Colorado Stimulus Plan announced by Gov. Jared Polis and House and Senate leaders from both parties.

House Speaker Alec Garnett (D-Denver), Rep. Marc Catlin (R-Montrose), Senate President Po Tempore Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) introduced the bill to dedicate $20 million from the General Fund to jumpstart grants for diverse projects that bring multiple benefits to communities, rivers and economies in all parts of Colorado. “These investments are needed now to ensure Colorado’s water systems can be resilient to impacts of fire, drought, climate change and population growth,” the bill states.

“From the snow in our mountains to our scenic rivers that support communities and agriculture, water is vital to our way of life in Colorado. As we face another dry year, this funding will provide a much-needed boost to support critical water projects that will protect what makes Colorado so special,” said Speaker Garnett.

“Colorado’s rivers are our most basic water infrastructure, but recent fires, prolonged drought and climate change are putting them at risk. This new funding will be critical to building the resilience of our rivers, communities and Colorado’s economy,” said EDF Action Senior Manager Brian Jackson.

EDF Action, the advocacy arm of Environmental Defense Fund, has been a key player in funding for Colorado water with the legalization and taxation of sports betting to support water projects, and in the local efforts on the West Slope and Front Range to increase investment in innovative water projects.