September 30, 2021 | Cole Karr

The National Special Districts Coalition has joined the Western Water Infrastructure Coalition, adding an additional special districts voice to advance sound water and drought policies in the Western U.S.

According to Western Water Infrastructure Coalition leaders, the group includes organizations from 15 states that collectively represent $120 billion in agricultural production—nearly one-third of all agricultural production in the country—and many of the local and regional public water agencies that supply water to more than 75 million urban, suburban, and rural residents.

“Thousands of special districts provide drinking water, irrigation, wastewater, fire protection, and resource conservation services in drought-stricken regions,” Cole Karr, NSDC Federal Advocacy Coordinator said. “As the mega-drought continues to impact these districts and the services they provide for agriculture and millions of Americans, the National Special Districts Coalition looks forward to working within the Western Water Infrastructure Coalition to partner in our advocacy, and to achieving solid legislative outcomes to enhance regional resiliency and adaptation.”

Many Western Water Infrastructure Coalition’s efforts align with National Special Districts Coalition priorities. The water coalition has pressed for the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and, along with NSDC, lauded the inclusion of policies supporting western water storage, water recycling, dam improvements and safety, and investments in rural water projects. The water coalition also sent a September 20 letter urging congress to address U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Interior needs to address serious drought-related issues across the region, including ecologically resilient restoration activities, wildfire mitigation, water conservation, and drought management.

NSDC’s Legislative Committee voted to join the Western Water Infrastructure Coalition during its regular September meeting, citing key policy platform elements of climate adaptation and preparedness and infrastructure.

Contact Cole Karr, NSDC Federal Advocacy Coordinator, for more information.