# Congress Authorizes $19B Colorado River Water Projects

Congress introduced the Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act in September 2026, authorizing **$19 billion** to expand water supplies and infrastructure across the Colorado River Basin, with a focus on Arizona. This legislation includes a **$5 billion Water Augmentation Program** to support water supply projects with federal matching funds and a **$1 billion authorization** for restoring and modernizing the Yuma Desalting Plant. The bill aims to reduce federal permitting delays and accelerate project delivery to address shrinking water supplies in the region.

- **Key agencies involved:** U.S. Congress and the Department of the Interior will oversee funding and implementation.
- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate significant contracting opportunities in water infrastructure, desalination plant restoration, and water augmentation projects in Arizona and the broader Colorado River Basin.
- **Actionable insights:** Companies specializing in water infrastructure, environmental engineering, and construction should prepare for upcoming solicitations and federal matching fund programs.
- **Stakeholder engagement:** Communications contacts within the Arizona House and Senate Republican Caucuses are available for further information and coordination.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- Arizona State Legislature
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- U.S. Congress

### Key Quotes
> 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.
> — Steve Montenegro, House Speaker

> Arizona can’t make it rain or snow, but we can take action to secure our water future.
> — Warren Petersen, Senate President

### Sources
- [Arizona Republicans Applaud Federal Legislation to Expand Colorado River Water Supplies](https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260917COLORADORIVERBASINWATERSECURITYANDINFRASTRUCTUREACT.pdf) - AZ