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HR10420119th CongressWALLET

Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act

Sponsored By: Representative Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

Introduced

Summary

Boost reliable water supplies for the Colorado River Basin. This bill would create a federal water-augmentation program, speed and centralize permitting for qualifying projects, and fund desalination and major infrastructure to increase usable water supplies for Basin States.

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  • Families and municipal users: Would fund projects that increase municipal and residential water supplies and reduce some reliance on Colorado River deliveries.
  • Tribes and States: The Secretary must consult with Tribes and Basin States on projects, while the bill preserves State water-rights and does not give States veto authority.
  • Project sponsors and local governments: Establishes a Water Augmentation Fund and generally provides Federal assistance at a 2:1 ratio, with the Federal share capped at 66.7 percent. Eligible recipients include States, Tribes, public utilities, private entities, and consortia.
  • International and plant operations: Directs restoration of the Yuma Desalting Plant within 180 days and creates a Mexico desalination program that links U.S. benefits to Mexico meeting treaty obligations.

*Authorizes $5.0 billion for the Water Augmentation Program, $1.0 billion for Yuma, $1.0 billion for Mexico desalination, and $12.0 billion for federal water infrastructure, available until expended.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Federal project study and build authority

If enacted, the bill would create a Title IV program to study, plan, design, and build major federal water projects. It would require regional feasibility studies and let the Secretary rely on existing non‑federal studies if sufficient. After an accepted feasibility study and certification of legal consistency, the Secretary could authorize construction without another act of Congress if funds are available. The Secretary must send an Upper Basin feasibility report to Congress within two years.

Major federal water funding boost

If enacted, the bill would create a Colorado River Basin Water Augmentation Program and a Treasury Water Augmentation Fund. It would authorize $5 billion for Title II, $12 billion for Title IV, $1 billion for the Yuma plant, and $1 billion for desalination in Mexico. Money in the Fund would be available to the Secretary without another appropriation until spent. Federal assistance would generally pay $2 for each $1 of non‑Federal funds, but the Federal share could not exceed 66 2/3% of a project's total cost.

Protect State water rights

If enacted, the bill would not change State water rights, their priority, interstate compacts, or court decrees unless Congress expressly says so. It would not reduce or impair existing lawful water uses except under applicable Federal law or a final court judgment.

Restart Yuma desalting plant

If enacted, the Secretary would restore the Yuma Desalting Plant within 180 days and run it at maximum technically feasible capacity consistent with law and plant limits. The plant should maximize water usable to satisfy the Mexican Water Treaty while preserving an equivalent quantity of Colorado River water where practicable. The Secretary must report within 180 days and annually on operations, water produced, and water preserved.

Faster permits but fewer environmental reviews

If enacted, covered projects would be exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act and would not need the usual NEPA environmental documents. Federal agencies would have 30 days to say if an application is complete and 180 days to issue a final decision, with one 90‑day extension for narrow issues. The President would name a lead agency to set a single schedule and coordinate reviews. The Secretary must consult States, Tribes, water districts, and users, but consultation would not give States a veto over federal assistance.

Support for desalination in Mexico

If enacted, the Secretary, working with the Secretary of State, would support seawater desalination facilities in Mexico to produce water that could offset U.S. treaty deliveries. The U.S. could provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, or build facilities, but no plant outside the United States could be built without the host country's consent. Before crediting desalinated water toward U.S. treaty obligations, the Secretary must find Mexico is meeting its treaty duties. If Mexico is not compliant, the Secretary must notify and could suspend additional U.S. benefits until the issue is resolved.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

AZ • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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