NW Riverside News

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-31) introduced legislation to support the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP). The bill proposes the establishment of an interest-bearing account at the Department of Treasury to hold funds contributed by 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 federal government states and other stakeholders creating habitat for 28 native species,” said Deven Upadhyay, Interim General Manager of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.“This bill will enable funds provided by States for LCR MSCP projects held in an interest-bearing account.The interest collected on non-federal funding reinvested into MSCP projects.Metropolitan appreciates Representatives Calvert,Napolitano introducing bipartisan legislation looks forward passage."

“Senator Padilla’s Representative Calvert’s bipartisan,bicameral bill strengthen collaborative efforts between water power users,state federal governments protect species expand habitats along Lower Colorado River,"said JB Hamby Imperial Irrigation District Vice Chairman Colorado River Commissioner California."IID endorses common-sense approach."

“Coachella Valley Water District grateful forward-thinking leadership Senator Padilla,Congressman Calvert,Congresswoman Napolitano,"said Jim Barrett General Manager Coachella Valley Water District.Establishment interest-bearing account States’ contributions Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program(LCR MSCP)provide expanded opportunities investment LCR MSCP projects.Multi-decade investment advance species conservation,future investments federal state partners enhanced legislation."

Background:

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

LCR MSCP budget $626 million its 50-year term.Funding shared among program participants basis 50% Federal 25% California 12 .5% each Arizona Nevada.LCR MSCP agreements,Lowe Basin States committed make quarterly payments cover program costs based initial budget estimates established 2005.For Fiscal Year 2024 program budget calls funding $38 .8 million State participants paying $19 .4 million.Time pace funding exceeded work expenditures Reclamation accumulated over $60 million contributed funds future costs.Accounts Bureau Reclamation holds contributed funds do not earn interest any investment return.Multiple examples funds established congressional action U.S.Treasury directed invested earn interest.Legislation simply allows LCR MSCP also earn interest.