A broad coalition of Colorado River water users is calling on the federal government to provide at least $2 billion in new funding for drought programs. The letter to congress comes from a strikingly diverse group. Its co-signers include farm districts, environmental nonprofits, Native American tribes, cities and others. The Colorado River has been stretched thin for more than two decades. A 26-year megadrought, fueled by climate change, has shrunk supplies. Policymakers across the Southwest have not done enough to rein in demand accordingly. As a result, the nation’s two largest reservoirs have dropped to anxiety-inducing low levels for the users that depend on their water. 

Related articles:

• KUNC (Greeley, Colo.): Water users around the west seek billions in federal drought help as Colorado River forecast worsens
• KLAS (Las Vegas): Upper Basin seeks $2 billion to weather Colorado River crisis, more money later