Ciscomani Celebrates Passage of his Provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024
December 11, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) celebrated the passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 (S.4367). The bill previously passed the Senate and was approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 399-18 and is now headed to the President’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
WRDA is a legislative package that is passed every two-years to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program to carry out critical infrastructure projects that improve our nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterways navigation, storm and flood mitigation, ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts, and host of other water infrastructure projects. Included in this legislative package are several of Ciscomani’s provisions to authorize construction of water infrastructure projects for the City of Tucson, the Town of Sahuarita, and Pinal County.
“Southern Arizona leads the way in water conservation, and as your Representative, I will continue to champion commonsense solutions that promote a more secure water future for our district, state, and nation,” said Ciscomani. “I am glad to see this legislation include several of my provisions to strengthen critical infrastructure needs in the district, bolster flood mitigation efforts in Pinal County and Sahuarita, invest in a new water reclamation facility in Tucson, and strengthen the Western Rural Water program. This bill has now passed the House and Senate, and I urge the President to sign it into law.”
As part of this legislative package, Ciscomani secured:
- A $50 million dollar increase in authorization of funding for the Western Rural Water Program, a key program that funds essential water projects in Arizona.
- Authorization for the City of Tucson Southlands Recycled Water Loop: This project will allow the city to create a new reclaimed water facility and help reduce the cities reliance on groundwater and Colorado River Water.
- Expedited construction for flood control project construction in Pinal County at the Lower Santa Cruz River.
- Authorization for the Town of Sahuarita for Drainage Improvements to help them combat flooding issues.
“Representative Ciscomani’s support for the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 highlights the importance of partnerships in securing Tucson’s water future,” said City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “With this legislation, Tucson is poised to build on its leadership in water conservation and develop infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing communities,”
“Rural communities in Arizona face ongoing challenges associated with drought and declining water availability, said Alex Funk, Director of Water Resources with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We applaud Rep. Ciscomani’s work to enhance the Corps Western Rural Water authority to ensure existing resources are made available to rural areas to construct drought resilience projects including water conservation and infrastructure improvements, while also ensuring these resources can be utilized to restore fish and wildlife habitat valued by Arizona’s hunting and angling community.”
“We commend Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership to secure $4.8 million for Sahuarita’s water and wastewater needs in WRDA 2024,” said Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. “As one of the fastest growing communities in southern Arizona, it is imperative that we upgrade our facilities so we can provide important water resources to our residents. We are grateful for Congressman Ciscomani’s continued support for our Town.”
“We are pleased that the House of Representatives has approved language to expedite completion of flood control projects in the Lower Santa Cruz River, and we are grateful to Congressman Ciscomani for his strong support and effective leadership in securing this language to help protect our communities from devastating flooding in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024,” said Stephen Miller, Pinal County Board of Supervisors and Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Board of Directors.”
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