U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette Secures $14 Million for South Platte Restoration in House Bill

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette Secures $14 Million for South Platte Restoration in House Bill

Today, Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) announced Congressional approval of $14 million for completion of recreation and environmental restoration work along the South Platte River in Denver. Representative DeGette requested that these funds be included in H.R. 1495, the "Water Resources Development Act", which overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives today.

"The South Platte River has become a jewel through a renewed downtown Denver," said Rep. DeGette. "These funds will further improve the recreation and environmental restoration of this tremendous community asset."

The city of Denver will contribute approximately $7 million to this project. Rep. DeGette was also successful in adding a provision that allows increased water storage at Chatfield Reservoir for joint flood control, municipal use, and environmental restoration purposes.

"Additional water at the Chatfield Reservoir will increase the flow along the South Platte, improving the fishery habitat, riparian wildlife, and allow for environmental restoration of this important river. It has the added benefit of additional water for agricultural and municipal needs downstream," said Rep. DeGette.

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