What They Are Saying About the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act

GILBERT, ARIZONA – Following Congressman Andy Biggs’s (AZ-05) introduction of the Colorado River Basin and Infrastructure Act, several public officials expressed their support for the landmark legislation. The bill would expand water supplies, accelerate critical infrastructure projects, and strengthen long-term water security throughout the Colorado River Basin.

“The Colorado River powers Arizona’s homes, farms, factories, and critical industries that keep America strong. Prolonged drought is pushing the system to the brink; we can’t sit back while levels keep dropping,”said Congressman Abe Hamadeh.“That’s why Congressman Hamadeh joined @RepAndyBiggsAZ's bipartisan effort demanding emergency funding for infrastructure upgrades, conservation, and long-term planning in the Colorado River Basin.”

“Arizona can’t make it rain or snow, but we can take action to secure our water future,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “Arizona has known for years that shortages could put the Central Arizona Project at risk. Valuable time to develop alternative supplies has already been lost, and we cannot afford to lose any more. That’s why we worked with Congressman Biggs to make sure Arizona’s priorities helped shape this federal plan.”

“Congressman Biggs has put forward a serious proposal that addresses the problem Arizona should have started preparing for years ago: we need more water,” House Speaker Steve Montenegro said. “For too long, the discussion has centered on how to divide a declining supply. This legislation takes a better approach by removing unnecessary federal delays and putting real resources behind projects that can increase supply. Long-term water augmentation is the path forward.”

“Our job is to make sure Arizona families and businesses have reliable water without driving up costs,” said Senate President Pro Tempore and Natural Resources Committee Chairman T.J. Shope. “We cannot solve a water shortage by arguing over smaller and smaller shares of the river. We need to make the pie bigger, and this bill gives Arizona and the other Basin states practical ways to bring more water into the system.”

“We need to stop trading paper around and start bringing new, real wet water into the state. Congressman Biggs’ plan prioritizes just that,” House Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter said. “Instead of focusing on scarcity, as Governor Hobbs has done by instituting water-use moratoriums and vetoing bills designed to authorize access to new water, Biggs’ bill plans for prosperity and abundance through the development of new water sources.”

“Expanding water supply should be a bipartisan priority,” House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee Chairman Gail Griffin said. “We need a long-term solution that protects the Colorado River system and works for everyone who depends on it. House and Senate Republicans support Congressman Biggs’ legislation and will continue working on state policies that protect existing residents, increase supply, and support rural economies.”

“Congressman Biggs’ bill rewards states that invest in their own water future, and Arizona is ready,” said Representative Alex Kolodin. “Governor Hobbs has spent four years managing scarcity instead of building supply. Her Colorado River talks stalled without a deal that enforces the Compact or that requires the Upper Basin to share in cuts. And when the Legislature sent her bills to develop new supplies, including brackish groundwater legislation I helped advance, she vetoed them and dismissed the idea as ‘wishful thinking.’ Arizona is less prepared today as a result. Congressman Biggs is doing what the Governor should have done years ago: putting real money and real urgency behind new water, and doing it in a way that benefits every Basin state. That is a win-win approach, and it is the one Arizona needs. The affordability and long-term future of our state depend on it.”

“Pinal County already understands that conservation alone is not a long-term water strategy,” Representative Chris Lopez said. “Our farmers, irrigation districts, cities, and water leaders have worked hard to stretch the supplies we have while looking for new ones. We are and continue to be the leader in water conservation and investment among Colorado River Basin states, allowing us to grow our population and economy while using less water today. Congressman Biggs’ legislation builds on that record by allowing us to conserve what we have, build the infrastructure we need, and bring new wet water into the system.”

In addition to the endorsements from these officials, the Arizona Farm Bureau came forward with its appreciation of the legislation:

“Arizona Farm Bureau supports efforts to strengthen Colorado River water security and advance the infrastructure investments necessary to protect the long-term water needs of Arizona and the entire Basin. We appreciate Congressman Andy Biggs’ leadership in introducing the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act and his recognition that addressing the Colorado River’s challenges requires meaningful action, long-term planning, and solutions that expand our water resources.”

“The status quo is not sustainable, and Arizona’s agricultural producers cannot afford to be left carrying an ever-increasing share of the burden,” said Arizona Farm Bureau President John Boelts.

“Agriculture is essential to Arizona’s economy, food supply, rural communities, and national food security. Any effort to address the Colorado River’s future must recognize agriculture’s significant contributions, protect agricultural water access, and ensure producers have a meaningful seat at the table. Arizona farmers and ranchers have already demonstrated their willingness to be part of the solution but conservation alone cannot replace the need for investment in water augmentation, infrastructure, and reliable supplies. We urge policymakers to pursue durable, collaborative solutions that strengthen the Basin’s water security while safeguarding the ability of Arizona agriculture to continue producing food and sustaining our rural communities for generations to come."

Read Congressman Biggs's introductory press release here. 

Read the bill here. 

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