Reps. Calvert and Napolitano Introduce Bill to Support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) along with Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31) introduced legislation 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. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1) and Rep. Susie Lee (NV-3) are original cosponsors of the bill.
“Providing additional resources for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program at no cost to taxpayers will support one of our most important natural resources in the Southwest,” said Rep. Calvert. “This bill is a common-sense step that allows excess funds in the LCR MSCP to earn interest and maintain their effectiveness. I’m thankful for the support of California water agencies, as well as Senator Padilla, and my House colleagues in this effort.”
“As we continue to face unpredictable drought cycles in Southern California and across the Lower Colorado Region, every dollar invested into protecting our precious habitats and resources is critical,” said Rep. Napolitano. “The successes of the LCR MSCP will be multiplied by allowing its funds to earn interest, as many funds within the Bureau of Reclamation already do, further benefiting our taxpayers, agencies, and the environment. I am proud to join Congressman Calvert and Senator Padilla in introducing this important bill for the well-being of our communities, ecosystem, and economy.”
“The Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program is critical to balancing our water needs and hydropower production with the conservation of native species in the Lower Colorado River,” said Senator Padilla. “As ongoing drought continues to threaten the Colorado River’s water resources and project costs increase, allowing the program’s account to accrue interest is a simple, bipartisan solution to ensure that California’s contributions to this program go even further.”
“The Colorado River remains a critical natural resource for the West – not only as our water supply but also providing healthy ecosystems for numerous native species,” said Rep. Titus. “As a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Colorado River Caucus, I am proud to help introduce this legislation which will ensure more long-term funding for habitat restoration in the Basin that sustains thousands of native fish and migratory birds.”
“As one of the most biodiverse places in the country, Nevada helps lead state and federal investments to protect endangered species and keep wildlife off the endangered list. But government red tape is getting in the way of maximizing Nevada taxpayer dollars that invest in wildlife conservation in the Lower Colorado River Basin,” said Rep. Lee. “I’m championing bipartisan legislation to ensure that these funds earn interest and grow before being used for conservation projects. Smart use of Nevadans’ tax dollars should be the norm.”
“The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is proud to participate in the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program (LCR MSCP), an incredibly successful collaboration between the federal government, states, and other stakeholders to create habitat for 28 native species,” said Deven Upadhyay, the Interim General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “This bill will enable the funds provided by the States for LCR MSCP projects to be held in an interest-bearing account. The interest collected on this non-federal funding will be reinvested in MSCP projects. Metropolitan appreciates Representatives Calvert and Napolitano for introducing this bipartisan legislation and looks forward to its passage.”
“Senator Padilla’s and Representative Calvert’s bipartisan, bicameral bill will strengthen collaborative efforts between water and power users, state and federal governments to protect species and expand their habitats along the Lower Colorado River,” said JB Hamby, Imperial Irrigation District Vice Chairman and Colorado River Commissioner for California. “IID endorses this common-sense approach.”
“Coachella Valley Water District is grateful for the forward-thinking leadership of Senator Padilla, Congressman Calvert, and Congresswoman Napolitano,” said Jim Barrett, General Manager Coachella Valley Water District. The establishment of an interest-bearing account for States’ contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) will provide expanded opportunities for investment in LCR MSCP projects. The multi-decade investment to advance species conservation, and future investments by the federal and state partners, will be enhanced by this legislation.”
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.
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