Updated 8:44 p.m.
Arkansas Valley Conduit Funding Vetoed by President Trump
A bipartisan plan to assist local communities in financing their portion of the long-planned Arkansas River Valley conduit has stalled after President Donald Trump vetoed the “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act” on Tuesday. Despite passing both the House and Senate with strong support, the bill now requires a Congressional override to become law.
The Arkansas River Valley conduit, which began construction in 2023, is intended to deliver clean water to 39 communities in southeastern Colorado for agricultural, industrial, and residential use. The legislation would have allowed these communities to repay no-interest federal loans over a period of 100 years.
A Disagreement Over Cost
President Trump, in his veto message, argued that his administration is “committed to preventing American taxpayers from funding expensive and unreliable policies.” He characterized the bill as a costly “handout” detrimental to economic growth. However, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill’s cost to the federal government at less than $500,000. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has described the conduit as a “major infrastructure project” vital for reliable water access in the region.
The project is expected to provide jobs to the area and, according to Chris Woodka, Senior Policy and Issues Manager with the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, ensure that 50,000 people have access to water meeting federally mandated quality standards – water that is currently “not carcinogenic.”
Political Fallout and Potential Next Steps
The veto has sparked criticism from both sides of the aisle. Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, sponsor of the bill, expressed her displeasure, suggesting the veto may be in retaliation for her role in securing a vote on releasing the Epstein files. She stated, “If this administration wants to make its legacy blocking projects that deliver water to rural Americans; that’s on them.” Democratic Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper labeled the veto an act of “revenge.”
While the bill enjoyed unanimous support in the Senate and a voice vote in the House, overriding the President’s veto would require Republican leaders in both chambers to allow a vote – a potentially challenging maneuver.
Rep. Jeff Hurd co-sponsored the House version of the bill, alongside Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper in the Senate. The water district is currently working with the congressional delegation to determine next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arkansas River Valley Conduit?
The Arkansas River Valley Conduit is a 130-mile pipeline project designed to bring water from Pueblo Reservoir to Bent, Kiowa, Crowley, Otero, Prowers and Pueblo counties, providing a reliable water supply for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
How much would this bill have cost the federal government?
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would cost the federal government less than a half million dollars.
What happens now that the President has vetoed the bill?
Congress could attempt to override the President’s veto, which would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. Alternatively, lawmakers could attempt to negotiate a compromise with the administration or reintroduce the legislation in the future.
What role will political considerations play in the future of this vital infrastructure project?
