Construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit is underway, bringing safe drinking water to more than 50,000 southeastern Colorado residents. Courtesy photo.
Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Ensure Clean, Reliable Drinking Water for Western Communities
Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Camille Calimlim Touton, traveled to Pueblo on Wednesday, January 8, to announce an additional $250 million in federal funding for construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC). Ark Valley Voice has reported extensively on this long-time effort, part of the 1960s Frying Pan-Ark agreement that has shifted water flow from the Western Slope into the Arkansas River, which flows east through southeastern Colorado.
“We are proud to see the work underway because of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said Commissioner Touton. “But there’s much more work to be done and we are again investing in this important project to bring safe drinking water to an estimated 50,000 people in 39 rural communities along the Arkansas River.”
The project has previously received almost $340 million, which has funded three major contracts and the installation of nearly 10 miles of pipeline. Once completed, the project will replace current groundwater sources that are contaminated with radionuclides and help communities comply with drinking water standards. The project consists of more than 121 miles of pipeline to deliver up to 7,500 acre-feet of water per year from Pueblo Reservoir.
The $250 million is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is part of a $514 million package of water infrastructure investments throughout the western United States under the BIL.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has allowed us to begin work on long overdue water storage projects, providing clean, reliable drinking water to families, farmers and Tribes throughout the West,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The investments we’re announcing today will continue to fund these important efforts, expediting essential water storage projects and providing increased water security to Western communities.”
The additional funding brings the total federal investment in the AVC to almost $590 million since 2020, along with state funding guarantees of $90 million in loans and $30 million in grants. “After 25 years, I still almost can’t believe it’s happening, but I drive by and can see it with my own eyes,” Southeastern Water Conservancy District President Bill Long told Touton. “There are so many people who have worked so hard who would be so proud to see it being built. This money will get us to the area that has seen the most problems.”
The Southeastern District is the sponsor for the AVC, which is part of the 1962 Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Act. The 130-mile pipeline to Lamar will bring water to 50,000 people being served by 39 water systems when complete.
Several Southeastern Board members attended Wednesday’s announcement. “You and your team are the ones who have gotten this off the ground,” said La Junta rancher, and at-large Board member Kevin Karney.
“People said it would never get built, but now we’re getting it done,” said Howard “Bub” Miller, who represents Otero County on the Board.
The AVC will help 18 water systems that face enforcement action for naturally occurring radionuclides in their groundwater supplies, as well as communities struggling to meet drinking water and wastewater discharge standards.
Construction of the AVC, the final phase of the project that began under the Kennedy Administration, started in 2023. Three major construction contracts have been awarded.
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Publish date : 2025-01-10 04:45:00
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