Press Releases
Reps. Pettersen, Hurd Lead CO Congressional Delegation in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Water Infrastructure Funding
Washington,
February 23, 2026
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and Jeff Hurd (CO-03) led Members of the Colorado Congressional delegation in introducing the Rural Water Security Act, bipartisan legislation to expand federal water infrastructure assistance to rural communities across Colorado. Colorado is currently excluded from Section 595 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which delivers critical federal support for water supply and water infrastructure projects in Western states. This bipartisan bill amends WRDA to ensure Colorado is eligible for the program and can unlock potentially millions of dollars in federal funding to help update aging water infrastructure and ensure communities are resilient to drought and other climate threats. “In the West, we understand just how precious our water is and how urgently we must address our aging infrastructure and secure reliable water for the future,” said Rep. Pettersen. “But right now, rural communities in Colorado are being unfairly shut out from receiving millions of dollars in federal funding that can help communities make these necessary updates. I’m proud to bring together our delegation in this bipartisan effort to support rural communities across Colorado for decades to come.” "Colorado’s water users are ready to advance practical, locally driven projects that improve water supply, storage, and watershed protection. Granting Colorado US Army Corps Section 595 authority ensures fair treatment across the Colorado River Basin and provides cost-sharing tools that help communities stretch limited water resources.” said Rep. Hurd. “As the headwater state, Colorado plays a critical role in supporting communities downstream. This is a commonsense step that strengthens drought resilience and benefits the entire region.” “Colorado is facing increasingly severe drought conditions, declining snowpack, and growing demands on our water resources. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to ensure Colorado is treated equitably alongside other Colorado River Basin states and provide practical federal cost-sharing for locally driven water supply, wastewater, and environmental restoration projects. Strengthening our water infrastructure and drought resilience efforts is critical for Colorado and the entire region that depends on our headwaters,” said Rep. DeGette.
“In Colorado and across the West, too many communities are facing historic drought conditions and below-average snowpack,” said Rep. Neguse. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Pettersen to ensure that Colorado receives its fair share of federal investment. This bill is a step towards strengthening the long-term, collaborative drought resilience that is needed in Colorado.” “Water is a critical resource for every Coloradan. As our state faces droughts, wildfires, and growing demand for water, we must help communities across Colorado update their aging infrastructure. Our bipartisan bill would help to bring home millions of federal dollars to Colorado to ensure safe and reliable water for communities,” said Rep. Crow. "USACE’s Section 595 Environmental infrastructure program has been an effective program for Western States confronting aging water infrastructure and growing pressure from drought. Extending this authority to the entire state of Colorado would ensure our communities can leverage the Corps expertise to deliver reliable, locally driven infrastructure projects. I’m proud to work in a bipartisan fashion with my colleagues to support water infrastructure for Colorado," said Rep. Crank. "As a former Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who fought wildfires in Northern Colorado, I understand how critical water is to our communities. I’m proud to champion this effort to strengthen water infrastructure, expand storage, support drought mitigation, and protect our watersheds — ensuring a secure and reliable water supply for Colorado families for generations to come,” said Rep. Evans. Background: Section 595 of WRDA authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to provide water-related environmental infrastructure assistance to certain Western states through grants and reimbursements covering up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. Currently, eligible states include Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, but not Colorado. Eligible projects include:
The legislation is endorsed by the Colorado Rural Water Association, Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Bill text is available HERE. ### |