US announces funding plans for west coast water infrastructure

The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has allocated $50m in funding for water infrastructure projects in western states.

The funding will provide financial assistance and construction support for rural water projects, address ageing infrastructure to maintain system reliability and safety, restore aquatic habitats and help in meeting the increasing water demands of the west coast.

About $30m will be used for six rural water construction projects selected by the US Bureau of Reclamation, which will deliver clean drinking water to remote areas.

These are the garrison diversion unit in North Dakota, the Fort Peck reservation / dry prairie rural water system in Montana, the Lewis and Clark rural water system in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, the Rocky Boy’s / North Central Montana rural water system in Montana, the Eastern New Mexico water supply project and the Jicarilla Apache rural water system, also in New Mexico.

Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor said the funding will allow work on these projects to be accelerated, saving the American taxpayer money.

"The funding will also stimulate regional and local economies, support the creation of much-needed jobs and provide a stable and reliable water supply to communities throughout the west," Connor said.

The remaining $20m in funding will used for fish passage and fish screens to meet the increasing water demands on the west coast, for water conservation and delivery studies and for environmental restoration and compliance efforts. Funds will also support facility operation, maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure system reliability and safety of infrastructure in support of sustainable water management.

Image: USBR will support rural water projects, restore aquatic habitat and help in meeting the increasing water demands of western parts of the US. Photo: NOAA employee.