Gallego Visits Mohave County to Discuss Local Water Issues

KINGMAN, AZ – With the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s pending decision on the fate of Arizona’s allocation of water from the Colorado River Basin, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) traveled to Mohave County to meet with federal officials and local leaders.

“Mohave County deserves to have their voices heard as federal officials weigh the water allocations of the Colorado River, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to stand up for them,” said Rep. Gallego. “This trip reaffirmed my commitment to fighting for long-term investments and creative solutions to end this drought and ensure Arizonans receive their fair share of Colorado River water.”

Rep. Gallego’s visit began with a briefing from the Bureau of Reclamation on the Hoover Dam and its future needs to continue to deliver water to the Lower Basin states. He then visited Lake Mead - Lakeview Overlook and Willow Beach, Lake Mohave to learn about the recreational, water conservation, and economic benefits they provide to the region.

Rep. Gallego then traveled to Kingman, Arizona where he met with the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss how water affects local businesses and economic development. Also in Kingman, Rep. Gallego hosted a roundtable with county, local, and Tribal elected officials about their water concerns and how Colorado River negotiations will affect rural Arizona.

Rep. Gallego is a long-time leader on Arizona water issues and joined the House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries this Congress. He has introduced legislation to prevent Arizona’s groundwater from exploitation by foreign governments and to encourage the use of smart water technologies. Additionally, he has touted Arizona’s voluntary water conservation efforts and called on neighboring states to do the same.