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U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Makes Historic $250 Million Investment in Arkansas Valley Conduit


Description: Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton greets several members of the Southeastern District Board, from left, Bill Long, Kevin Karney, Howard "Bub" Miller, Andy Colosimo and Justin DiSanti. (Courtesy Photo)

Arkansas Valley Conduit Awarded an Additional $250 Million

Camille Calimlim Touton, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, traveled to Pueblo on Wednesday, January 8, to announce an additional $250 million for construction of the Arkansas Valley Conduit.

"We are proud to see the work underway because of President Biden's Investing in America agenda," Commissioner Touton said. "But there's much more work to be done and we are again investing in this important project to bring safe drinking water to an estimated 50,000 people in 39 rural communities along the Arkansas River."

The $250 million is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is part of a $514 package of water infrastructure investments throughout the western United States under the BIL.

The additional funding brings the total federal investment in the AVC to almost $590 million since 2020, along with state funding guarantees of $90 million in loans and $30 million in grants.

"After 25 years, I still almost can't believe it's happening, but I drive by and can see it with my own eyes," Southeastern Water Conservancy District President Bill Long told Commissioner Touton. "There are so many people who have worked so hard who would be so proud to see it being built. This money will get us to the area that has seen the most problems."

The Southeastern District is the sponsor for the AVC, which is part of the 1962 Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Act. The 130-mile pipeline to Lamar will bring water to 50,000 people being served by 39 water systems when complete.

Several Southeastern Board members attended Wednesday's announcement.

"You and your team are the ones who have gotten this off the ground," said Kevin Karney, a La Junta rancher, and at-large Board member.

"People said it would never get built, but now we're getting it done," said Howard "Bub" Miller, who represents Otero County on the Board.

The AVC will help 18 water systems that face enforcement action for naturally occurring radionuclides in their groundwater supplies, as well as communities struggling to meet drinking water and wastewater discharge standards.

Construction of the AVC began in 2023, and three major construction contracts have been awarded.

"This money really gets us further down the valley. It is very much appreciated," Long said.

Related Content:

Southeastern CO Water Conservancy Arkansas Valley Conduit Project Updated Cost Estimates