Bureau of Reclamation Grants $250 Million for Arkansas Valley Conduit

The Bureau of Reclamation has announced an additional $250 million in federal funding for the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC) project, aimed at delivering clean drinking water to over 50,000 people in 39 rural communities along the Arkansas River. This funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, raises the total federal investment in the project to nearly $590 million since 2020, with additional state funding guarantees. The AVC, a 130-mile pipeline initially approved in 1962, addresses severe water quality issues caused by contamination with naturally occurring radionuclides. Local leaders express optimism as construction progresses, with the pipeline expected to reach areas currently facing water quality enforcement actions. The project represents a significant step in improving water security in Southeastern Colorado, with hopes for continued bipartisan support. The AVC’s completion timeline remains unannounced, but the recent funding is crucial for overcoming inflation and construction challenges.