December 18, 2024

Kelly Delivers Historic Arizona Water Investments in Finalized Water Resources Development Act

Today, the Senate passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), bipartisan legislation shaped and led by Arizona Senator Mark Kelly that will tackle water infrastructure, flood control, and drought resilience across Arizona and the west. Authorized every two years, WRDA directs U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ infrastructure, drought, and flood control work. This year’s legislation also includes reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration and the General Services Administration that will spur development in rural Arizona communities. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Kelly played a central role in shaping the final legislation, helping to negotiate the Senate-passed version of WRDA 2024 and the Economic Development Reauthorization Act. Kelly chaired two key hearings, including one in Flagstaff, Arizona to hear from experts and local leaders. Through Kelly’s leadership the legislation takes critical steps to modernize water infrastructure, enhance drought preparedness, and accelerate flood control projects across Arizona, including authorizing:

$250,000,000 for the Arizona Western Rural Water Program, which provides grants to small, rural, or tribal communities throughout the state to address water infrastructure needs. Since its creation in 2020, more than two dozen projects have been funded.
$215,574,000 to complete the next phase of the Rio Reimagined project, the Tres Rios Ecosystem Project, which was championed by former Arizona Senator John McCain.
$30,000,000 to construct a new reclaimed water distribution system in southern Tucson, which will enable new industrial economic development in the region, while conserving scarce drinking water.
$12,000,000 for repairs to the City of Buckeye’s Wastewater Treatment plant in response to increased flooding risk caused by invasive saltcedar trees.
$10,000,000 to construct new drinking water infrastructure for the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Kelly added major provisions from his Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act, which provides new tools for the Corps of Engineers to support drought-stricken communities. The package also included additional Kelly-led bills: the ONSHORE Act introduced with Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) to help rural communities attract new industrial investment projects, and the FASTA Reform Act introduced with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to cut red tape to allow for unused federal property to be sold when it benefits taxpayers.

“Arizona’s future depends on our ability to deliver real solutions that will protect the water resources that sustain our communities and economy,” said Kelly, a key negotiator of WRDA 2024. “This legislation cuts red tape, advances critical water projects, and equips Arizona with the tools to address drought. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure these historic investments that will safeguard Arizona’s water future and strengthen our communities.”

“Flash flooding is a primary threat to public safety in the desert, but this vital legislation will reduce the threat by strengthening our stormwater and drainage infrastructure,” said Chairman Robert Miguel of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. “The Ak-Chin people thank Senator Kelly for his leadership in supporting this necessary investment in our community and its public safety.”

Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said: “The Nation wants to thank Senator Kelly for including funding in the 2024 WRDA for the removal of unexploded ordnance left by the US military on the Nation’s reservation during World War II, which has prevented the Nation from using its allocation of Central Arizona Project water. The funding also will implement a project that allows us to use that water for aquifer recharge and irrigation for agriculture. Thanks to Senator Kelly‘s leadership, this project will correct decades of historical injustice and allow the Nation to preserve its homeland through the prudent and sustainable use of its water resources.”

“We are grateful to Senator Kelly and the entire Arizona Congressional delegation for passing this crucial legislation which will unlock much needed resources to promote habitat restoration along our precious Rio Salado,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. By investing in the Tres Rios wetlands, we can secure a healthier, more sustainable future for Phoenix with rich biodiversity and resilience to extreme weather events. This new funding brings us closer to our shared vision for a revitalized, flourishing river corridor.”

“Senator Kelly’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping water policy that benefits Tucson and all of Arizona. The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 creates new opportunities for sustainable infrastructure like the Southlands Recycled Water Loop. Tucson is ready to collaborate with the federal government to bring these projects to life and secure a resilient water future,” said City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.

“We are grateful for Senator Kelly’s inclusion of the $5 million authorization for the Wildcat Hill Wastewater treatment facility in WRDA 2024,” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett. “This important project will allow us to add capacity at our plant as well as a new digester that will ultimately save the City nearly a quarter of a million dollars each year. We commend Senator Kelly for including this important provision in the bill.”

“I want to thank Senator Kelly and Arizona’s Congressional Delegation for securing a $5 million authorization for Glendale,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers. “Senator Kelly shares Glendale’s commitment to improving the lives of the people we serve every day. This authorization will help Glendale eliminate flooding within the most vulnerable populations in Glendale.”

“Water infrastructure is critical to Winslow’s growth. We are on the verge of an economic boom. Senator Kelly understands the needs of rural Arizona and we are excited that he sponsored our $3 million Winslow water and wastewater provision in WRDA 2024,” said Winslow Mayor Roberta “Birdie” Cano. “This critical provision will allow the City to repair and rehabilitate our antiquated and dilapidated system that will allow for new economic growth. We applaud Senator Kelly for his support and inclusion of this critical provision.”

“We commend Senator Kelly’s leadership to secure $4.8 million for Sahuarita’s water and wastewater needs in WRDA 2024,” said Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. “As one of the fastest growing communities in southern Arizona, it is imperative that we upgrade our facilities so we can provide important water resources to our residents. We are grateful for Kelly’s continued support for our Town.”

“We applaud Senator Kelly’s leadership in securing $12 million for Buckeye’s water and wastewater infrastructure in WRDA 2024,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn. “This important provision will allow the City to build out its capability and capacity at its Wastewater Treatment Facility in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. We appreciate Kelly’s strong and consistent support for this provision and are grateful for his steadfast leadership.”

“We applaud Senator Kelly for including a provision in WRDA 2024 that will allow us to work with the Army Corps to complete the McCormick Wash project in an expedited manner,” said City of Globe Mayor Al Gameros. “It is only a matter of time before this earthen tunnel entirely collapses and puts our entire City at risk of catastrophic. We thank Senator Kelly for his work and leadership on this important project that will protect our city from needless flooding.”

“Senator Kelly remains deeply committed to Pima County and all of southern Arizona,” said Pima County Board Chair Adelita Grijalva. “We applaud his inclusion of a provision in WRDA 2024 that will expedite completion of the El Corazon Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration project. It is yet another example of his continued success in delivering long sought after projects to our County in a timely and efficient manner. We are grateful for Senators Kelly’s efforts to expedite completion of this important project by including it in the WRDA bill.”

See below for a breakdown of key Arizona priorities Kelly secured in WRDA 2024:

STRENGTHENING WATER MANAGEMENT IN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

Through Kelly’s leadership, WRDA 2024 included targeted investments to support water management and self-determination in Arizona tribal communities:

Ak-Chin Indian Community: Expedites the development of a comprehensive flood control plan that addresses erosion, flood management, invasive species removal, wetland restoration, and water recharge. These efforts aim to protect culturally significant vegetative resources while mitigating flood risks and improving water access.
Navajo Nation Watershed Management Plan: Supports a management plan for the Dinnebito, Oraibi, Polacca, and Jeddito Subwatersheds in the Little Colorado River Basin. This initiative will address water resource and land-related challenges while establishing a strategic framework for tribal decision-making.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Habitat Restoration Project: Supports ongoing work to reshape the river channel, construct irrigation and drainage improvements, and restore 1,487 acres of riparian habitat. This project enhances flood protection while revitalizing the natural environment.
Gila River Indian Community Renewable Energy Pilot Project: Expedites a project to install solar panels over irrigation canals, which will reduce water evaporation, conserve water resources, and support renewable energy generation in tribal areas.

ACCELERATING COMPLETION OF CRITICAL WATER PROJECTS

Kelly’s leadership ensured expedited funding and completion of key water projects in Arizona communities:

Cave Buttes Dam (Maricopa County): Expedites repairs to this 110-foot-high dam that protects over one million residents and $15 billion in property. These upgrades will reduce risks of catastrophic failure and improve the dam’s flood management capabilities.
McMicken Dam (Maricopa County): Accelerates the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure protecting Luke Air Force Base and 130,000 nearby residents. These upgrades address land subsidence and other structural challenges.
Winslow Levee Project (Navajo): Accelerates repairs to the aging levee system protecting Winslow and surrounding areas from flooding along the Little Colorado River. These upgrades will safeguard the community during moderate to high flow events.
Rio de Flag Flood Control Project (Flagstaff): Directs the completion of a $122 million initiative to reduce flooding in neighborhoods like Southside. This project enhances public safety and mitigates future flood risks.
Roosevelt Dam Manual Update: Directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to update the flood control manual for Roosevelt Dam, improving operations to conserve water during wet years for future drought conditions.

MODERNIZING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Through Kelly’s efforts, WRDA 2024 included funding provisions for new and expanded water infrastructure projects across Arizona:

City of Flagstaff Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility: Allocates $4.8 million to design a facility that will enable potable water reuse, enhancing long-term water resilience and reducing reliance on traditional water sources.
City of Glendale Drainage Improvements: Secures $5.2 million to address recurring flooding near Bethany Home Road, 51st Avenue, and Grand Avenue. The project will redirect stormwater upstream and install new storm drains to protect residents and businesses from future flooding.
City of Page Raw Water Intake Pipeline: Allocates $10,000,000 for the City of Page to construct a new raw water intake pipeline upstream of Glen Canyon Dam to supply the town with needed water from Lake Powell.
Town of Sahuarita Wastewater Facility: Provides $4,800,000 for the Town of Sahuarita to make improvements to the town’s water reclamation facility to improve the working conditions at the facility.
Town of Winslow Downtown Stormwater Project: Authorizes $3,000,000 for the City of Winslow to install storm drainpipes, catch basins, and storm drain manholes in downtown Winslow. Currently, the area lacks stormwater infrastructure causing serious flooding during rain events.

BOOSTING FLOOD RESILIENCE IN SMALLER COMMUNITIES

Kelly secured investments to support flood management and resilience in rural Arizona communities:

McCormick Wash Rehabilitation (Globe): Provides funding to rehabilitate an aging diversion tunnel to prevent catastrophic flooding. This project will protect the City of Globe from severe flood risks caused by deteriorating infrastructure.
Rose and Palm Garden Washes (Douglas): Authorizes flood management improvements to protect neighborhoods and businesses in economically disadvantaged areas of Douglas, which are prone to recurring flooding.
Santa Cruz River Flood Study (Pinal County): Directs the development of a flood control plan for the Lower Santa Cruz River, focusing on erosion control and improving water management to protect nearby communities.
Corazon de los Tres Rios del Norte Plan (Pima County): Provides funding to implement a comprehensive recreation, flood risk management, and environmental restoration project at the confluence of the Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Cañada del Oro Wash rivers.

See below a summary of Kelly-led bills included in the final WRDA package

Kelly’s Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act:

Creates a pilot program in Arizona, Nevada, and California to operate dams and reservoirs owned or regulated by the Corps differently during periods of long-term drought. This could allow facilities, like SRP’s Roosevelt Dam, to retain more water during wet years to save it for future dry years.
Allows the Corps to accept funds provided by other federal agencies to formulate, review, or revise flood control curves for federal reservoir projects. This would authorize Reclamation to provide the Corps funding to update flood control curves at a federal reservoir during times of drought.
Modifies the Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operation Pilot Program in the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 to require an evaluation and report of operations at a reservoir in the Colorado River Basin to determine the viability of forecast-informed reservoir operations, this involves including water conservation as a project purpose and modifying the facilities to support drought resilience.
Directs the Secretary to carry out a study in Arizona to determine whether to include water supply as a purpose of a project if a request for modification is made by a non-federal interest or the State of Arizona.
Modifies the Continuing Authorities Program for Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration by including projects that enhance drought resilience restoring wetlands or removing non-Native species, like the invasive Saltcedar trees in Arizona.

Kelly’s ONSHORE Act:

Establishes a Critical Supply Chain Site Development Grant Program within the Economic Development Administration.
Assists communities, including rural and tribal areas, with infrastructure and workforce development to attract manufacturing facilities.
Targets industries vital to U.S. supply chains, enabling quicker construction of market-ready manufacturing sites.

Kelly’s INVEST in Our Communities Act:

Establishes an office of Tribal Economic Development to provide targeted outreach and technical assistance to tribal communities in Arizona.
Requires the Economic Development Administration to hire technical assistance liaisons” to help small and rural communities access needed assistance.
Allows EDA funds to be used for capacity-building programs to create comprehensive strategies for economic development, including to hire qualified economic development professionals or services.

Kelly’s FASTA Reform Act:

Streamlines the federal property disposal process to save taxpayer money by addressing inefficiencies and reducing bureaucratic red tape.
Includes provisions for local and tribal consultation to ensure successful and faster disposal of unneeded federal properties.
Builds on the 2016 Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act (FASTA) to address deficiencies in federal real property management.