Gallego Secures $70 Million for Arizona Water Projects

Gallego Secures $70 Million for Arizona Water Projects

Local leaders thank Rep. Gallego for spearheading funding for infrastructure projects across the state

WASHINGTON - Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation securing eight water infrastructure projects across Arizona. S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024-which is expected to be signed into law in the coming days-includes $70 million in funding Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) secured.

"From a new pipeline in Flagstaff to a reclaimed water system in Tucson, I'm proud to have secured funding in this legislation that will have a lasting impact on Arizona's water supply," said Rep. Gallego. "I look forward to seeing this vital legislation signed into law and continuing the fight for Arizona's water future."

The eight Arizona projects are:

• $20 million for Tucson to expand its Reclaimed Water System and develop needed infrastructure in the fastest-developing area of the Southlands.
• $12 million for Buckeye to update its Wastewater Treatment Facility to keep it online in the case of a 100-year flood event.
• $10 million to Page for a new raw water intake pipeline from Lake Powell upstream of the Glen Canyon Dam.
• $10 million to the Tohono O'odham Nation for facilities for water withdrawal, treatment, and distribution.
• $5.2 million to Glendale for water and wastewater infrastructure, drainage systems, and water quality enhancement.
• $5 million to Flagstaff for an advanced wastewater treatment facility.
• $4.8 million to Sahuarita for water infrastructure and water reclamation.
• $3 million for Winslow to install a storm drain pipe, catch basins, and storm drain manholes in the downtown area.

"We appreciate Representative Gallego's support of legislation that paves the way for long-term investments in sustainable water infrastructure. Tucson remains committed to working with federal partners to advance projects like the Southlands Recycled Water Loop, ensuring a stronger and more resilient future for our region," said City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.

"We applaud Congressman Gallego's leadership in securing $12 million for Buckeye's water and wastewater infrastructure in WRDA 2024. This important provision will allow the City to build out its capability and capacity at its Wastewater Treatment Facility in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. We appreciate Congressman Gallego's strong and consistent support for this provision and are grateful for his steadfast leadership," said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn.

"Page is facing an antiquated water treatment center as well as lacking any water redundancy option. Congressman Gallego has fought tirelessly for the residents of Page, Arizona to help alleviate these very difficult problems. A majority of our water system was installed as the Glenn Canyon Dam was being built, which means portions of the Page water system are pushing 60 to 70 years old. The Congressman has tried continually over the last few years to provide opportunities for funding to upgrade the aging water system. Without Congressman Gallego's willingness to pursue this appropriation the citizens would just continue to hope that their water system holds up to the growing pressures that have been expected of it," said Page City Manger Darren Coldwell. "Congressman Gallego and his staff have been amazing to work with and we most certainly hope that they will continue to make the small community of Page a priority. Every resident would like to thank the Congressman for all of his help on receiving this funding."

"Through the leadership of Congressman Gallego, Flagstaff will take a huge step toward guaranteeing our water future. Flagstaff prides itself on leading the way in sustainable water use and we're grateful to have the Congressman as an advocate and ally," said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.

"Water infrastructure is critical to Winslow's growth. We are on the verge of an economic boom. Congressman Gallego understands the needs of rural Arizona and we are excited that he was the lead sponsor of our $3 million Winslow water and wastewater project in WRDA 2024. This critical provision will allow the City to repair and rehabilitate our antiquated and dilapidated system that will allow for new economic growth. We applaud Congressman Gallego for his support and inclusion of this critical provision," said Winslow Mayor Roberta "Birdie" Cano.