Utah Valley Times

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill introduced by Representative John Curtis, known as the Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act. This legislation aims to address an ongoing imbalance in the Lower Basin Fund, which is responsible for financing salinity control projects. The bill incorporates collaborative efforts from the seven Colorado River Basin states, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the West, and its health is crucial for our communities, our economy, and our environment," stated Rep. Curtis. "The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act builds on decades of collaborative efforts to reduce salinity levels, which have greatly improved water quality across the Basin. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support for this legislation and for the dedicated work of my colleagues, including Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), the seven Basin states, and all the partners who have contributed to this important step forward for water users across the West."

House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman expressed his support: "Congressman Curtis’s bill provides a commonsense fix to existing legislation, easing cost burdens and ensuring a reliable water source for the entire Colorado River basin. This bill will also build on the successful work already completed by the Colorado River Salinity Control Program. I congratulate him on getting this bill through the House and look forward to working to advance this solution."

Zachary Renstrom, General Manager of Washington County Water Conservancy District, highlighted its importance: "The Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act is important to water users like [us]. The bill will ensure [we] can continue to facilitate important funding partnerships with...the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as we seek to plan and develop salinity control projects that result in...protection of water quality for...the Colorado River." He further noted it as a major milestone achieved by Congressman Curtis and others.

Amy Haas from the Colorado River Authority of Utah added: "The salinity control program has successfully reduced hundreds of millions of dollars in annual salinity related water quality damages in [the river]. Utah citizens are direct beneficiaries... We applaud Representative Curtis for championing this legislation."

Gene Shawcroft from Utah's Upper Colorado River Commission commented: "As Utah’s Commissioner...I am thrilled [by] this development...This bill will ensure [it] can sustainably fund and deliver critical salinity control project planning...[and enhance] water quality...Also,...water operational efficiencies for agriculture production can be achieved..."

Support also comes from several environmental organizations including National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Trout Unlimited.