Legislation to Fund Water Conservation Projects Passes Senate

SB25-283 would appropriate funding to safeguard Colorado’s water future and strengthen drought resiliency

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would allocate funding for water conservation projects passed the Senate today.

SB25-283, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, is an annual bill that appropriates funding to the Department of Natural Resources to fund water projects across Colorado using Colorado Water Conservation Board cash funds. 

“This bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation we do every year to protect our state’s most precious natural resource: our water,” said Roberts. “Water planning and conservation is crucial to ensuring that Colorado can thrive for generations to come. One of the many projects that this bill will fund this year is the restoration of the Yampa River and Walton Creek confluence in my district – it is an opportunity for large-scale ecological restoration of this crucial wetland and our native fish population. Each of the projects funded by this bill will have a significant impact on agriculture, river health, outdoor recreation, and our state's ability to thrive, now and in the future.”

SB25-283 allocates nearly $60 million in funding for water conservation programs and projects, including: water plan grant funding, statewide turf analysis, water supply forecasting, watershed restoration and wildfire preparedness, funding for the Yampa River/Walton Creek confluence restoration project, and retiring irrigated acreage to ensure Colorado meets its obligations under the Republican River Compact. About $29 million of the funding would come from sports betting tax revenue. 

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.