Stanton Continues to Deliver Water Resources for Arizona
Press Release
Two critical Arizona water infrastructure projects have been included in the House's FY2022 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill after a push by Rep. Greg Stanton for their inclusion.
The first project includes another $4 million to advance the new $150 million Arizona-centered environmental infrastructure authority Stanton secured in the 2020 Water Resources Development Act, which was based on his bill, H.R. 2206, the Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act.
Stanton's proposal for the Arizona-focused authority earned then-President Trump's signature last year, and its funds are used to assist small, rural, and tribal communities across the state in addressing their critical water and wastewater needs. The Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Southern Arizona were the first recipients of funding under the new program, receiving $900,000 earlier this year to build a water pipeline that will boost water security for the community.
Also included is $1.8 million for Tres Rios, an ecosystem restoration project along the Salt and Gila rivers, which Stanton championed during his time as Phoenix mayor. The project was spearheaded by the late Sen. John McCain and Rep. Ed Pastor and is designed to provide flood control protection and the use of treated effluent from a regional wastewater treatment facility to restore hydrological connectivity and sustain fish and wildlife habitats. Specifically, the funds support a Post Authorization Change Report that is necessary in order to complete construction of Tres Rios.
Since coming to Congress, Stanton has worked to get this project, which has been stalled for years, back on track. He pressed Appropriation Subcommittee members to fund the report during a hearing in May.
"Responsible water management will determine Arizona's future, and I'm pleased this bill includes my requests to make significant investments in our state's water and wastewater infrastructure," Stanton said. "This funding will allow us to build on our past successes and help communities across the state meet urgent needs to protect and preserve their water supplies."
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