Feds’ cash stream supports Colorado River conservation — but the money will dry up
Despite a megadrought, states in the West have been able to avoid drastic cuts to their allocations of Colorado River water this year not only because of surprising storms but also thanks to generous financial incentives from all levels of government that have encouraged people to conserve. The temporary Colorado River water-sharing agreement that Arizona, California and Nevada announced in May depends on an injection of $1.2 billion from the federal government. Some of the 30 tribal nations in the river basin also are getting federal dollars. The Gila River Indian Community, for example, will receive $233 million from the feds over the next three years, mostly to conserve water. Fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the feds will spend a total of $15.4 billion for drought resiliency programs …
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- Fox 5 – Las Vegas: Once-exposed boats in Lake Mead covered by water again, but progress is minimal amid drought
- KTAR – Phoenix: ‘Cloud seeding’ offers water generation possibilities for Arizona
- KJZZ – Tempe: ‘Fill Mead First’ proposal picking up steam as Colorado River faces ongoing drought
- Colorado Public Radio: Southern Colorado property owners are starting to receive notices of illegal ponds. Here’s why hundreds of them may need to go
