Hickenlooper, Bennet Celebrate Committee Passage of Colorado Priorities in Biennial Water Bill

Senators secured authorization for up to $27 million for Colorado water projects

Legislation heads to Senate floor for passage

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet celebrated the committee passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and the Colorado projects included within. WRDAis passed every two years to authorize projects that address water management, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and long-term clean water priorities.

"We're experiencing the worst drought in 1,200 years in the West," said Hickenlooper. "Our new water future demands federal investment in Colorado communities that helps them create more resilient infrastructure, healthier ecosystems, and stronger waterways."

"Access to clean, reliable drinking water is critical for every Coloradan. As the state faces a hotter, drier future, Congress must invest in the infrastructure needed to keep our water supplies safe and dependable," said Bennet. "I'm grateful for the committee passage of this vital water infrastructure bill, and that support for many of Colorado's drinking water priorities are included."

The 2026 WRDA includes several Colorado priorities that Hickenlooper and Bennet fought for, including:

• Adding Colorado to the list of states eligible for funding under Section 595, which provides technical, design, and construction assistance with critical infrastructure to small and rural communities. Colorado is currently the only Colorado River Basin state without eligibility for these funds.

• Robust reauthorization of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds through 2030. Both programs are updated to address PFAS and lead service line replacement projects.

• Lowering the state cost share for aquatic nuisance species monitoring, rapid response, and planning projects from 50% to 35%.

Hickenlooper and Bennet also secured $27 million in new authorities under the 2026 WRDA for Colorado projects:

• $10 million for Custer County to meet the water supply gap, mitigate water supply risks, optimize water resources, and provide benefits across the Arkansas River Basin.

• $10 million for Aurora to reduce stormwater drainage issues, reducing the likelihood of flooding.

• $7 million for Montezuma and La Plata Counties to continue efforts to replace Durango's raw water pipeline. This funding also extends a Montezuma County water system to reach a largely elderly and retired community who have hauled water for decades.

WRDA now heads to the Senate floor for a final vote.

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