U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani announced on Mar. 19 the introduction of a bipartisan bill with Representative Joe Neguse aimed at supporting local control of water management among communities and tribes in Arizona and other Western states. Senators Steve Daines and John Hickenlooper introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
The Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7978) seeks to extend the Cooperative Watershed Management Program for four years, as it is set to expire at the end of 2026. The program, part of the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART initiative, provides funding for local watershed groups that partner with communities to address water management needs and carry out critical projects.
If passed, the legislation would reauthorize the program until 2031 and increase its funding to $40 million per year. Ciscomani said, “Southern Arizona knows firsthand how important it is to manage our water resources wisely. The Cooperative Watershed Management Program helps bring local communities, tribes, farmers, and water managers together to develop practical, locally driven solutions to drought and long-term water security.” He added that he is proud to introduce this legislation so that communities can continue working together “to protect and sustain our water resources for generations to come.”
Daines said, “Reliable access to clean water is a basic necessity for Montanans,” while Hickenlooper stated, “We need to put local communities at the center of solving our evolving water issues and empower them to lead the way.” The bill has received support from organizations such as the National Audubon Society, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and The Nature Conservancy.
Haley Paul from the National Audubon Society said, “The National Audubon Society supports the Cooperative Watershed Management Program Reauthorization Act… We thank Representatives Ciscomani and Neguse for introducing this bipartisan bill to provide resources to help communities build drought resilience and improve wildlife habitat in a hotter and drier West.” Alex Funk from Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership commented on how CWMP fills a critical funding need for small rural organizations making watersheds more resilient.
Ciscomani has represented Arizona’s 6th District since replacing Ann Kirkpatrick in 2023 according to his biography. He won election victories over Kirsten Engel in both 2022 as reported by Ballotpedia and 2024 according to Ballotpedia. Born in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1982, Ciscomani currently lives in Tucson according to his biography and graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in 2005 according to his biography.
Supporters say that reauthorizing CWMP will help address ongoing challenges related to droughts affecting agriculture, wildlife habitats, rural economies, and tribal lands across Western states.
