Secretary Haaland says the projects will enhance “health and conservation throughout Southwest desert ecosystems.“
At the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the allocation of up to $95 million from President Biden’s Investing in America initiative for projects that will fortify water resources, advance ecosystem health, and support resilience in communities addressing drought and climate change.
“Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change and now through… Investing in America agenda, we have new transformational resources to advance locally led, partnership driven projects that will catalyze nature-based solutions and build resilient communities and landscapes,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “As communities across the West continue to face the impacts of prolonged and worsening drought, these collaborative projects will enhance watershed health and conservation throughout Southwest desert ecosystems.”
Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton spoke of the collaborative effort involved in leveraging this investment to benefit ecosystem health and water resources. The Interior Department is stewarding $2 billion over five years towards restoring the nation’s lands and waters—guided by the Restoration and Resilience Framework unveiled in April 2023. These Environmental Water Resources Projects are part of the broader WaterSMART Program.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Commissioner Touton and reclamation officials as they facilitate the WaterSmart program.
- For Secretary Haaland as she oversees the water conservation efforts in the Southwest.
Sources: Department of the Interior
