Tucson Standard

U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) has taken the lead on a bipartisan effort to enhance drought and flood resiliency in the United States. The initiative focuses on improving the Healthy Watershed, Healthy Communities Act, which is aimed at bolstering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program, also known as "PL-566". The legislation seeks to streamline planning and administrative processes within the program and ensure equitable funding allocations across different regions.

Joining Representative Ciscomani in this effort are Representatives Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-08), Harriet Hageman (R-WY-AL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Mike Flood (R-NE-01), and Joe Neguse (D-CO-02). In the Senate, a companion bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Michael Bennett (D-CO), along with Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

The importance of programs like PL-566 in mitigating the damage caused by floods and droughts cannot be overstated. Representative Ciscomani emphasizes the significance of these programs in ensuring water security for Arizona's desert communities. He states, "By cutting red tape and implementing commonsense fixes, we build on previous successes of the program and allow our communities to tap into the full potential of the resources available to them."

Representative Caraveo underscores the urgency of addressing the impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in Colorado. She explains, "Two decades of climate change-fueled drought has devastated watersheds in Colorado and the region, posing an existential threat to Colorado's farmers and ranchers, and everyone who relies on them." She expresses pride in joining her colleagues in introducing the Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act, which aims to improve the PL-566 program and support drought resilience in Colorado.

Representative Hageman highlights the critical importance of protecting and managing water resources. She points out that confusing regulatory processes and bureaucratic delays hinder investments in water storage infrastructure. The Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act addresses these concerns by providing greater control of watersheds to local organizations and irrigators who better understand local hydrology. She states, "As a strong proponent of decentralized control and greater investment in local organizations, I'm proud to join my colleagues in support of this bill."

Representative Pettersen stresses the need for a resilient watershed management system as climate change continues to affect water resources in Colorado. She believes that the bill will streamline planning and improve water conservation efforts, equipping communities and farmers to better handle future droughts and floods.

Representative Flood supports the call for increased local control and flexibility in managing projects funded by the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program. He believes that allowing stakeholders to tailor solutions to meet the needs of local communities is vital. He expresses gratitude to his colleagues for their leadership on this issue.

The legislation has garnered support from various organizations, including the Arizona Farm Bureau, Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage Districts, Family Farm Alliance, Almond Alliance, Environmental Defense Fund, Farmers Conservation Alliance, Oregon Water Resources Congress, the Freshwater Trust, the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association, Western Growers, Trout Unlimited, the St. Vrain & Left Hand Water Conservancy District, and the Nature Conservancy.

Stefanie Smallhouse, President of the Arizona Farm Bureau and a member of Representative Ciscomani's Advisory Council, emphasizes the importance of this legislation for Arizona's agriculture producers. She states, "The Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act of 2023 will improve upon the PL-566 program and ensure that it adequately supports Western farmers and ranchers in their water conservation efforts." Smallhouse expresses gratitude to the representatives for their work on this critical issue.

This bipartisan effort led by Representative Ciscomani and his colleagues aims to strengthen the country's ability to withstand droughts and floods by improving the PL-566 program. By addressing administrative processes, funding allocations, and the needs of local communities, the Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act seeks to enhance water security and resilience across the nation.

To find out more, go to this link: https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/ciscomani-leads-bipartisan-push-improve-drought-and-flood-resiliency-efforts