Media sources are having a field day speculating as to the possible motivations behind Trump’s decision to veto Rep. Loren Boebert’s bill which funds completion of a water project in Colorado. Of course, facts don’t matter to the mainstream press when speculation, sensationalism, and outright lies provide fuel for the flames and increase ratings.  

Contrary to media reports, (and Rep. Boebert’s personal accusations), Trump’s veto was not used in retaliation for Boebert’s vote in favor of releasing “the Epstein files”.  Nor was the veto a mean spirited blow to deny drinking water to blue state residents who voted to elect Biden over Trump. Nor was it calculated to inflict financial pain on Colorado’s far left Governor, Jared Polis, whom Trump has called a “sleazebag”. 

The truth of the matter is that Trump’s veto was based on preventing the continued gross mismanagement of State and Federal tax-payer dollars.

The bill in question, H.R. 131, “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act”, passed both houses of Congress with overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans. The bill would cut the interest rate and extend the repayment period on Federal loans to 75 years, shifting the burden for repayment from current Colorado state taxpayers onto the next generation. Such a deal is obviously very attractive to Colorado politicians who get all that free money and can continue spending state revenues any way they want. But President Trump’s veto says, hold on, wait a minute, not so fast, not on my watch!

In the veto itself, President Trump clearly explains his rationale for returning the bill to Congress unsigned. He provides a brief history lesson of the Arkansas Valley Conduit project that any reasonable person would find enlightening. Trump concludes that, “Enough is enough.  My Administration is committed to preventing American taxpayers from funding expensive and unreliable policies.”

Trump goes on to emphasize that,  “Ending the massive cost of taxpayer handouts and restoring fiscal sanity is vital to economic growth and the fiscal health of the Nation.” 

Let’s examine the facts supporting the veto.  

For decades, Colorado, (and many other states), have gotten away with misusing Federal tax dollars to fund infrastructure projects that never see completion and/or programs that don’t benefit their intended populations. (Think “bullet” trains that go nowhere and “daycare” centers that don’t have any kids!) Hard working Americans expect that their tax dollars will be used to provide critical infrastructure and vital public services. The don’t want their tax dollars wasted or used for padding the pockets of various special interest groups.

Like California and Minnesota, Colorado is guilty of squandering billions of dollars on frivolous projects and programs. It’s about time a President has decided to hold them accountable.

Keep in mind that back in 2012, Colorado legalized the recreational use of marijuana.  Tax revenues for pot sales in Colorado have exceeded $3 billion dollars. You’d think that some of this money could have been used to provide drinking water for rural residents. However, the ruling authorities understand that as long as Coloradans have enough water to fill their bhangs (bongs) and have plenty of recreational activities to occupy their time, (skiing, bike riding, surfing, etc.), all is well.

Again, Trump wants to place responsibility on the citizens of Colorado who should probably put down their dope pipes and spend some time rethinking their earthly priorities. For example, gray wolf introduction has already cost Colorado tax payers tens of millions of dollars. Wolf related expenses are expected to rise every year into the foreseeable future. While the majority of Coloradan’s clearly value wolves over cattle, the question needs to be asked, do they value wolves over drinking water also? But why should any dope smoking Coloradan worry about spending state money on water infrastructure when Congress, (via Boebert’s bill), is willing to authorize free money?

To really understand how the Federal government has interacted with Colorado on the Arkansas Valley Conduit water project prior to Trump’s veto, a little history lesson is in order.

Facts do matter.

The Arkansas Valley Conduit Project is a 130-mile pipeline intended to provide fresh drinking water to over 50,000 people living in multiple rural communities east of Pueblo, Colorado.  Construction was initially authorized by Congress as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project during JFK’s presidency back in 1962.  However, the first phase of any actual physical construction did not begin until 2023 under the Biden administration.  Thanks to the time delay between approval (1962) and the actual beginning of construction (2023), projected costs have sky rocketed.

Here’s the timeline for the project as posted on the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District webpage:

1962 – The AVC is authorized by Congress as part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Act. 

2009 – P.L. 111-11 passed, allowing miscellaneous revenues (excess-capacity contract payments) from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project to be applied to AVC construction and repayment. These payments will be available beginning in 2022 and initially total about $3.5 million annually, increasing in future years.

2013 – The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the AVC.

2014 – Reclamation issued a Record of Decision for the AVC, which established a route (Comanche North) and scope of work for the project. 

2020 – The AVC receives $28 million in federal funding to finish design and begin construction of the long-awaited pipeline. Funding since then totals $221 million.

June 29, 2020 – Colorado Governor Jared Polis signs a bill authorizing $90 million in loans and $10 million in grants for the AVC.

October 3, 2020 – AVC Ceremonial Groundbreaking Ceremony at Pueblo Dam.

September 29, 2022 – Reclamation announces the first construction contract for the AVC with WCA Construction LLC.

April 28, 2023 – Reclamation and the SEWCD celebrate the beginning of construction of the AVC with a groundbreaking attended by about 150 people.

The bottom line is that $249 million in tax payer funding has already been provided for the AVC, with total costs to complete the project now estimated to be over $1.3 billion.  Maybe President Trump isn’t just being vindictive like the media tries to paint him. Maybe he’s actually seeking financial accountability and promoting integrity in the political decision making process. Just a thought.

Sources for this article include many more links, but my page is having trouble incorporating them. Oh well these are the most vital:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/131/text

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/12/congressional-bill-h-r-131-vetoed/