AURORA | Aurora could receive about $15.6 million in federal funds for improved infrastructure to prevent northwest Aurora flooding.
Championed by Aurora Democratic Congressperson Jason Crow, the Water Resources Development Act sets aside funding for Aurora to construct new storm sewers and expand stormwater capacity at the intersection of East 14th Avenue and Yosemite Street.
The federal legislation passed out of the House on Tuesday and awaits approval from the Senate, according to the National Association of Counties.
The planned improvements are expected to help prevent flooding on East 11th Avenue, Alton Street and East 14th Avenue. The area is prone to excess flooding, which has damaged property and made roads impassable for drivers and first responders.
In a statement about the funding, Crow said he is proud to secure investments to improve water infrastructure, prevent flooding and address the impacts of climate change.
“In Aurora and many other communities, old sewers cause frequent street flooding and unsafe conditions,” Crow said. “In Congress, I will continue to bring home critical funds to better Colorado and our communities.”
Crow has also introduced the Protect the West Act, which would invest in wildfire mitigation, and he is a sponsor of the bipartisan Championing Local Efforts to Advance Resilience (CLEAR) Act to allow states to establish and maintain resiliency offices to combat the effects of climate change.
The Water Resources Development Act passed on a 415-9 vote. All Colorado House members voted for the bill.
In addition to the Aurora funding, the bill dedicates money to several Colorado projects and $150 million to protect rural water infrastructure nationwide, according to CPR.