Southern Ute Indian Tribe Secures $16.7 Million for River Initiative
Deal News | Jan 17, 2025 | Southern Ute Indian Tribe
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has been awarded $16.7 million, courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, to support the replacement of a crucial canal heading for the Pine River, aimed at improving fish passage and riparian habitats. This initiative involves collaboration with the Pine River Canal Company and the Spring Creek Extension Ditch Company and is aimed at improving water delivery efficiency to 23,000 acres of agricultural land in Southwestern Colorado. The funding, awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation, underscores the importance of federal cooperation with sovereign nations and stresses environmental conservation. Such projects aim to restore ecological health and counter drought impacts, benefiting both aquatic species and local agricultural communities. Additionally, further funding amounting to $25.6 million has been allocated to projects in the Dolores and San Juan River Basins within Colorado, focusing on removing invasive plants.
Sectors
- Environmental Conservation
- Agriculture
- Government and Public Policy
Geography
- United States – The funding and projects are located in the United States, particularly in Southwestern Colorado.
- Colorado – All projects and partnerships mentioned in the article are based in Colorado, focusing on river basins within the state.
Industry
- Environmental Conservation – The article discusses funding secured for a project that primarily aims at improving environmental conservation through habitat restoration and sustainable water management.
- Agriculture – The funding will enhance water delivery reliability to a vast area of agricultural land, impacting over 400 farmers and ranchers reliant on the Pine River Canal.
- Government and Public Policy – The funding stems from a public policy initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Financials
- $16.7 Million – Awarded for the Pine River Canal project.
- $25.6 Million – Allocated for projects across the Dolores and San Juan River Basins.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Ute Indian Tribe | Funding Recipient | Government | The tribe received federal funding for a major river improvement project. |
| Bureau of Reclamation | Funding Authority | Government | The Bureau awarded the grant to support the Pine River Canal project. |
| Pine River Canal Company | Project Partner | Company | Collaborator on the Pine River Canal project to improve water delivery and habitat. |
| Spring Creek Extension Ditch Company | Project Partner | Company | Collaborator on the Pine River Canal project. |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | Support Agency | Government | Provided project support for the tribe's initiative. |
| The Nature Conservancy | Support Agency | Charity | Provided support for the environmental aspects of the project. |
| Colorado Department of Natural Resources | Support Agency | Government | Involved in supporting the state's conservation initiatives. |
| Senator Michael F. Bennett | Political Support | People | Provided political backing for the project. |
| Senator John Hickenlooper | Political Support | People | Offered political support for the funding initiative. |