Arizona-related Water Resources Development Act passed by US Senate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA) was passed on Thursday and will allow for more funding on Arizona's water infrastructure projects.

WRDA, crafted by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), will use funds for certain projects, as well as clean up old uranium mines on tribal land.

“Arizona is facing a historic drought and we need solutions now," stated Senator Kelly. “Our bipartisan bill cuts through bureaucratic red tape to ensure that Arizona has the resources and tools needed to protect its precious water resources now and for generations to come. I’ll keep working with Republicans and Democrats to get our bill across the finish line.” 

According to a press release, the following is what is included in the Act:

• Cutting Red Tape to Complete Stalled Arizona Water Projects: Two projects in Arizona, the Rio de Flag project in Flagstaff and the Tres Rios project in Phoenix.

• Funding for Western Water Program: Kelly secured $200 million within the Army Corps’ Rural Western Water program exclusively for water infrastructure projects in Arizona.

• Cleaning Up Abandoned Uranium Mines: Abandoned uranium and hard-rock mining sites on tribal lands continue to pose serious health risks to tribal communities.

• Keeping Arizonans Safe from Floods: Kelly secured language authorizing the Army Corps to work with the Flood Control District of Maricopa County to repair the aging McMicken Dam which protects about 130,000 residents, the Phoenix Goodyear Airport, I-10, and the Air Force Base from stormwater floods.

• Extended Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) Until 2033: This program, which tribes use for a variety of water quality projects, including drought and water conservation projects, was set to expire this year. Kelly advocated for and secured an extension until 2033.

• Accountability in Water Conservation Projects: For too long, the Corps has under-valued the benefits of water conservation and drought relief projects, which meant fewer funding opportunities.

• Drought as New Eligibility for Water Projects: Army Corps authorities were historically limited to a narrow scope for projects which did not include drought.

• Pilot Study on Western Infrastructure: The Army Corps has never done a specific study focused on how to improve water conservation and improve drought resilience at dams and reservoirs in the western United States.