House Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on Rep. Calvert Bill to Support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee held a legislative hearing on H.R. 9515, a bill introduced by Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41) to support Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) activities. The bill would establish an interest-bearing account at the Department of Treasury to hold the funds contributed by the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada for the LCR MSCP.

“My bill is a common-sense step that allows excess funds in the LCR MSCP to earn interest, maintain their effectiveness, and make more funds available to advance the program’s goals,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program was put in place to protect one of our most important natural resources in the Southwest. I’m thankful that Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman scheduled this hearing so that Committee members can learn more about my bill and the issue.” 

Background:

The Lower Colorado River provides critical water and power supplies across the Southwest. The LCR MSCP was authorized by Congress in 2009 and is supported by agencies within the federal government, as well as State, Tribal, and local water, power, and wildlife agencies. Within the geographic scope of the LCR MSCP from Lake Mead to the Mexican border, the program will establish over 8,000 acres of native riparian and aquatic habitat. It includes additional science-based research and management efforts focused on expanding knowledge of the local wildlife and the quality of the habitat restoration efforts. The program has already achieved success in stocking thousands of native fish and increasing numbers of breeding migratory birds within 5,000 acres of new riparian habitat.

The LCR MSCP has a budget of $626 million for its 50-year term. The funding is shared among the program participants on the basis of 50% Federal, 25% California, and 12.5% each from Arizona and Nevada. Through the LCR MSCP agreements, the Lower Basin States committed to make quarterly payments to cover the program costs based on the initial budget estimates established in 2005. For Fiscal Year 2024, the program budget calls for funding of $38.8 million, with the State participants paying $19.4 million. Over time the pace of funding has exceeded the work expenditures and Reclamation has accumulated over $60 million in contributed funds for future costs. However, the accounts in which the Bureau of Reclamation holds the contributed funds do not earn interest or any investment return. There are multiple examples of funds established by congressional action in the U.S. Treasury that are directed to be invested or to earn interest. This legislation simply allows the LCR MSCP to also earn interest.

###