Andy Biggs Advocates for Federal Funding for Yuma Desalination Plant

Revitalizing Arizona's Yuma Desalting Plant: A New Era for Water Management

With Arizona facing pressing water challenges, a significant proposal has emerged to revitalize a previously underused asset. Congressman Andy Biggs is advocating for federal funding aimed at restarting the Yuma Desalting Plant, which was built nearly three decades ago to convert saline agricultural runoff into drinkable water, yet remains largely inactive.

In a recent assembly with Republican lawmakers at the Arizona Capitol, Biggs emphasized the importance of tapping into potential federal funds to reactivate the facility. He quoted discussions with the Bureau of Reclamation, stating, “When I talked to the Bureau of Reclamation, they told me that we should apply for a grant. And we think it’s going to be pretty expensive, but there is some money there. If we can get that grant, we could actually get the desalt facility up and running.”

The Yuma Desalting Plant has not been operational largely due to a surplus of water that was deemed sufficient nearly 35 years ago, rendering its functionality unnecessary at the time. However, experts believe that reviving the plant will demand a substantial financial commitment, including tens of millions needed for vital upgrades, along with ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

Furthermore, the initial construction of the plant had ecological repercussions, leading to the establishment of the Cienega de Santa Clara, a significant wetland that is now a protected area. Any attempt to restart operations at the plant may disturb this ecosystem, potentially leading to legal hurdles and environmental concerns.

Desalination has been on the table for Arizona as a viable solution to the state’s water scarcity for some years. Currently, the state's Water Infrastructure Finance Authority is exploring the feasibility of constructing a new desalination facility either in California or Mexico to enhance local water reserves. More information on this initiative can be found here.

Alongside the desalination efforts, Biggs has engaged in discussions surrounding the management of Colorado River water. He has expressed concerns that current negotiations produce limited beneficial results, stating, “I’m not going to mince words.” Despite the challenges faced, Biggs is working alongside Democratic Senator Mark Kelly to advocate for fair river management policies. The pair have recently urged U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to take a closer look at a controversial draft environmental impact statement that they consider unfavorable to Arizona. For further details, refer to this document.