Business Coalition Urges $2 Billion Federal Investment in Colorado River Projects

September 17, 2026 - 19:57

A coalition of chambers of commerce, including nearly a dozen from Arizona, has sent a letter to Congress asking the federal government to allocate new money for water-saving work along the Colorado River. The group is pushing for $2 billion in federal spending to address the growing water crisis in the western United States.

The letter highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and conservation programs as the river continues to face historic lows. The coalition argues that without immediate federal investment, businesses and communities across the region could face severe economic consequences. The Colorado River supplies water to roughly 40 million people across seven states and supports a massive agricultural industry.

The chambers emphasize that the funding would support projects such as canal lining, water recycling, and efficiency upgrades. These measures, they say, would help stabilize water supplies while protecting jobs and local economies that depend on the river. The coalition also points out that the federal government has a responsibility to act given the river's role in national food production and energy generation.

Lawmakers have not yet responded to the request. However, the proposal comes as negotiations over the river's future continue among the affected states. The coalition hopes the letter will prompt swift action before conditions worsen further.