Federal Investment in Water Resources: A Focus on Resilience

The Department of the Interior announced on Jan. 7, a $41 million investment in 21 water resource projects across the United States. This funding, allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support initiatives aimed at improving water resource management, enhancing ecosystem health, and building community resilience to climate change impacts.

 

Projects receiving funding will address a range of critical water-related issues, including:

Instream and Riparian Restoration: Projects will focus on restoring and protecting natural river systems, which are vital for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.

Water Infrastructure Improvements: Investments will support the enhancement of water delivery systems through measures such as canal lining and piping, aiming to improve water use efficiency and reduce losses.

Fish Habitat Improvements: Funding will be used to restore and enhance fish habitats, supporting the conservation of fish populations and maintaining the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

 

This investment builds upon previous funding allocations for similar water resource projects, demonstrating a continued commitment to addressing the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change. The selected projects are strategically located across the United States and aim to address a variety of local and regional water resource challenges. A full list of projects selected can be accessed on the Bureau of Reclamation website.

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shaina

Shaina Shay is an accomplished water professional with over a decade of experience in water policy, management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatic information sharing drives her work across the U.S. and Australia, where she has held roles with investor-owned utilities and as a senior water market specialist. Shaina's commitment to the field is reflected in her leadership positions within the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association (SAWUA).