Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are working across the aisle on legislation that would ensure farmers and ranchers have access to modern and safe water infrastructure.
Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) recently introduced The Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act of 2013. Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) is leading companion legislation in the House.
“Water is a precious resource in Colorado, and nobody knows that better than our farmers and ranchers,” Bennet said. “Producers throughout the state face challenges when it comes to distributing water across their land to keep it productive for its agricultural uses. This bill will help give irrigation companies in Colorado greater flexibility to keep this infrastructure in good working condition.”
The bill would update obsolete tax provisions that hinder ditch and irrigation companies’ ability to raise capital to invest in infrastructure. The new legislation would also address severe limitations on ditch and irrigation companies’ ability to collect revenue after incurring a large capital expense, such as replacing a dam in disrepair. The proposed bill would ease restrictions while ensuring that revenue is used solely for operations and maintenance expenses, according to its sponsors.
“Current law is outdated and does not serve the needs of the people of Colorado,” Gardner said. “It’s critical that farmers and ranchers have access to water. This legislation will help prevent the buy and dry-up of farm land and protect agriculture jobs in Colorado.”