Colorado: Governor Polis Statement Following Congressional Vote on Arkansas Valley Conduit

DENVER ~ In a disappointing turn of events, Governor Jared Polis expressed his disappointment in Congress for failing to override President Trump's veto and blocking progress on the Arkansas Valley Conduit. This project has been long-awaited and is crucial in providing safe and reliable drinking water to thousands of families in southeastern Colorado.

Governor Polis stated, "For decades, families in southeastern Colorado have patiently waited for clean, safe drinking water and today, Congress failed them." He emphasized that access to clean drinking water should not be a partisan issue but rather a basic responsibility of the government. The governor thanked Representative Boebert and Senator Bennet for their leadership in sponsoring the bill and the entire Colorado federal delegation for voting in support of the project. He also highlighted the bipartisan unity shown by all members of Colorado's congressional delegation, both Democrats and Republicans.

The Arkansas Valley Conduit is a 130-mile pipeline that will serve nearly 50,000 people across dozens of communities east of Pueblo. These communities currently rely on groundwater sources contaminated by naturally occurring salinity and radionuclides. Despite being authorized by Congress in 1962 as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, the conduit has faced numerous delays over the years.

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Governor Polis applauded the vetoed bill which was originally sponsored by Representative Boebert in the House and cosponsored by Representative Hurd. In addition, it was sponsored by Senator Bennet in the Senate and cosponsored by Senator Hickenlooper.

Colorado has played a leading role in advancing this project, committing $100 million in state grants and loans through the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The state has also worked closely with the Bureau of Reclamation, local water providers, and Colorado's congressional delegation to secure federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, with this veto override not being successful, Congress has put politics ahead of people and jeopardized an initiative that is already under construction and long overdue.

The governor emphasized that Congress could have reaffirmed its commitment to finishing the job and delivering one of the most basic services that the government owes its people: safe, reliable drinking water. The Arkansas Valley Conduit is not just a project, but a critical step towards ensuring public health and economic stability in the region. It is time for Congress to listen to the bipartisan coalition and prioritize the needs of rural communities.

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