WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Andy Biggs (AZ-05) sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, urging the immediate release of federal funds held by the Bureau of Reclamation for drought mitigation projects across the Colorado River Basin.
These funds, set to expire in fiscal year 2026, were secured by Congress nearly four years ago to address the severe drought affecting the Colorado River Basin. A final round of funding has been held back as a bargaining chip for the Bureau of Reclamation in the ongoing Colorado River Compact negotiations.
“The Department of Interior has an important duty to responsibly manage the Colorado River system. These funds were set aside by Congress to aid the Basin states through ongoing dry conditions and provide security and safety to the communities, local economies, and critical industries that rely on the Colorado River,” the members write, highlighting Arizona’s agriculture, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and defense sectors as critical to U.S. national security.
“The end of FY2026 is rapidly approaching, and these unexpended funds may never reach the water users who will take all-important steps to reduce their use and add water to the Colorado River system,” the members continue. “We ask you to immediately release unexpended drought mitigation funds and allow Arizona and the other Basin states to take all necessary measures to protect one of the West’s most precious resources.”
A copy of the full letter is available HERE.