USDA, Department of the Interior to Announce Major Investment for Water Management, Efficiency Across the West
WASHINGTON—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López will announce a multi-million dollar federal investment in order to better conserve water resources in 13 Western states, including the Colorado River Basin while improving efficiency of agricultural operations. The funding for this partnership will help agricultural producers and irrigation districts build resilience to drought and adapt in the face of climate change.
This partnership is a priority action identified in the President’s Memorandum Building National Capabilities for Long-Term Drought Resilience and accompanying the Federal Drought Action Plan. As the permanent co-chair of the National Drought Resilience Partnership, the interagency taskforce responsible for carrying out drought resilience goals established in the Presidential Memorandum, USDA is leading the federal effort to better coordinate drought-related programs and policies , help communities reduce the impact of current drought events and prepare for future droughts.
