WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Lauren Boebert's (CO-04) bill H.R. 131, the "Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit, passed the United States Senate with unanimous support on December 16, 2025. The bill eliminates interest payments on construction costs endured by non-federal entities and extends the repayment period to 75 years, allowing local communities more flexibility to finish their investments in this critical project. Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03) is a cosponsor of the bill, while Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper led companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Upon completion, the Arkansas Valley Conduit would provide access to clean water to 50,000 residents in Southeast Colorado, including Bent, Crowley, Prowers, Kiowa and Baca Counties. The project was originally started back in 1962 and has been delayed by bureaucracy and, most recently, rising construction and labor costs. The "Finish the AVC" Act addresses these issues in an effort to make this long-standing vision a finished product.

"I am thrilled the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act has passed the Senate with unanimous support and is headed to President Trump's desk to be signed into law," said Congresswoman Lauren Boebert "After decades of delays and bureaucracy, this critical project to deliver clean, reliable water to 50,000 hardworking Coloradans will finally be completed. I want to thank the stakeholders for their hard work to get this bill across the finish line, this is a huge win for Southeast Colorado."

“As more pipe goes into the ground constructing the Arkansas Valley Conduit, the more excited Colorado Water Congress is to support this safe drinking water project.    It would not be possible without the bipartisan support from our delegation, and the partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation, the Southeastern District and the State of Colorado.  The project would not be possible without the many efforts to address the affordability of the project, and this bill does just that.” said Christine Arbogast President of the Colorado Water Congress

"Rural water providers in our area often struggle to secure the funding needed to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Completing the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC), which has been stalled for decades as labor and construction costs continue to rise, would help reduce the financial burden on these providers and enhance their ability to deliver a higher quality and a more reliable water supply," said Prowers County Commissioners Ty Harmon, Ron Cook, and Roger Stagner. "In addition to supporting households and businesses, a stable water supply is essential for agriculture — the backbone of our community’s economy. Reliable water access ensures that farmers and ranchers can maintain production, adapt to drought conditions, and sustain the long-term viability of their operations. We're grateful for Congresswoman Boebert's commitment to the citizens of Southeast Colorado and are excited for President Trump sign it into law."

The full text of Congresswoman Boebert's H.R. 131 can be read HERE