• Legislative Initiative: Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsors the Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act to enhance water security.
• Increased Water Storage: The bill allows organizations like the Salt River Project to increase water storage capacity, securing water supply for future generations.
• Supportive Measures: Provides new authorities and modifies existing ones for the Army Corps to implement water conservation and drought resilience projects.
• Collaborative Efforts: Establishes new programs and updates operational procedures to prioritize water conservation during droughts.
• Extended Impact: Sinema’s efforts include over $12 billion in drought relief through recent legislation, benefiting Western U.S. water management.

April 23, 2024 –– In a move to combat the severe drought conditions plaguing Arizona, senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema has cosponsored the Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act, introduced by fellow Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. This legislation marks a significant step in strengthening water security across Arizona and the broader Western United States by empowering entities like Arizona’s Salt River Project to expand their water storage capabilities.

The bill specifically allows these organizations to store additional water behind their dams and other infrastructure, ensuring a robust water supply for the future. “As Arizona faces record drought conditions, we’re working together to deliver innovative solutions securing our water future,” said Sinema. The initiative not only aims to enhance the existing infrastructure but also introduces several critical adjustments to the Army Corps’ operational procedures to better conserve water during times of drought.

Key components of the legislation include the authorization for the Army Corps to carry out water conservation measures such as increasing water storage and modifying operational procedures at their facilities to conserve water. Additionally, it allows for updating the project purposes of certain dams to include water conservation as a core objective.

Senator Sinema’s proactive approach to addressing drought impacts is further highlighted by her establishment of a Water Advisory Council at the Hoover Dam. This council, composed of diverse Arizona water experts and stakeholders, is tasked with developing sustainable solutions to secure the region’s water future.

With a history of securing significant funding for drought relief and water management through bipartisan infrastructure and climate laws, Senator Sinema continues to prioritize the effective implementation of these funds. Sinema’s continuous engagement with local farmers, stakeholders, and tribal leaders ensures that the allocated resources are used efficiently to mitigate the effects of drought across the Western U.S.

Image:

View from Hopi Point over Grand Canyon with rainbow, September 2013 by Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0.

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