Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act

Dec 23, 2024
Dec 23, 2024

Summary

Updates the rules for how much the federal government pays for projects that reduce salt levels in the Colorado River, changing cost-sharing amounts.

What problem does this solve?

The old rules for funding salt control projects in the Colorado River were out of date. This law updates the cost-sharing amounts between the government and others to better fund these projects.

Who does this affect?

  • States in the Colorado River Basin
  • Federal government agencies
  • Water and power consumers

What does this law do?

Revises federal cost-sharing for salinity control
Updates the percentage of project costs that the federal government will cover, which are considered non-repayable.
Sets specific non-repayable cost percentages
Sets various non-repayable cost shares, such as 75% for some units and 85% for on-farm measures, including costs for replacing fish and wildlife habitats.
Creates temporary cost rules for 2024 and 2025
For the fiscal years 2024 and 2025, it sets specific, temporary non-repayable cost percentages for certain projects.
Clarifies repayable costs
States that any project costs not covered by the federal government's non-repayable share must be paid back by other parties.

What is the real world impact?

Updates funding rules for water quality projects
Adjusts how much the federal government pays for projects to reduce salt in the Colorado River, making sure these projects can continue effectively.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on December 23, 2024, and sets special cost rules for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Special cost-sharing rules for 2024
For fiscal year 2024, specific non-repayable cost percentages are applied to salinity control projects.
Special cost-sharing rules for 2025
For fiscal year 2025, specific non-repayable cost percentages are applied to salinity control projects.