Congresswoman Lauren Boebert's "Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit" Act Passes through U.S. House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) successfully passed H.R. 131, the "Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit" Act, through the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday evening by voice vote. The bill eliminates interest payments on construction costs endured by non-federal entities and extends the repayment period to 75 years, allowing local communities more flexibility to finish their investments in this critical project. Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03) is a cosponsor of the bill, while Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Upon completion, the Arkansas Valley Conduit would provide access to clean water to 50,000 residents in Southeast Colorado, including Bent, Crowley, Prowers, Kiowa and Baca Counties. The project was originally started in 1962 and has been delayed by bureaucracy and, most recently, rising construction and labor costs. The "Finish the AVC" Act addresses these issues in an effort to make this long-standing vision a finished product.

“This is a major victory for Southeast Coloradans with my 'Finish the AVC Act' passing through the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Congresswoman Boebert. “Every Coloradan should have reliable access to clean water, which keeps families healthy and allows economic development to move forward. It's been more than six decades since the Arkansas Valley Conduit was originally approved; Coloradans are done waiting on this project. I'm grateful to my House colleagues for their support and I will fight to make sure this bill now passes through the Senate so President Trump can sign this bill in the near future.”

“Access to reliable, clean water is fundamental to the health and prosperity of our rural communities, and the Arkansas Valley Conduit has remained an unfinished promise for far too long," said Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03). "I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation with Congresswoman Boebert to remove financial barriers and help get this vital project across the finish line. This will strengthen agriculture, support families, and fuel economic growth across Southeast Colorado — a win for everyone who calls this region home.”

"Rural water providers in our area often struggle to secure the funding needed to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Completing the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC), which has been stalled for decades as labor and construction costs continue to rise, would help reduce the financial burden on these providers and enhance their ability to deliver a higher quality and a more reliable water supply," said Prowers County Commissioners Ty Harmon, Ron Cook, and Roger Stagner. "In addition to supporting households and businesses, a stable water supply is essential for agriculture — the backbone of our community’s economy. Reliable water access ensures that farmers and ranchers can maintain production, adapt to drought conditions, and sustain the long-term viability of their operations. We're grateful for Congresswoman Boebert's work on this project and her efforts to support Southeast Colorado."

“In the West, it is critical that we have sound water infrastructure to meet communities’ needs," said House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). "Rep. Boebert’s legislation will help get the Arkansas Valley Conduit project across the finish line more than 60 years after it was authorized. I thank her for her work to move this important project forward and her leadership on western water issues.”

The full text of Congresswoman Boebert's H.R. 131 can be read HERE.