House Passes Water Bill That Includes Money For Gold King Mine Spill Costs

The U.S. House has approved a wide-ranging bill to fund water projects across the country, and in Colorado. Included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act: sending money to Colorado for long-term water quality monitoring along the Animas River. That's the river polluted by the Gold King Mine wastewater spill last year in the San Juan Mountains.

The $10 billion bill passed 360-61 also sets a deadline for the EPA to reimburse local governments for emergency response costs. Some cities and counties in Colorado and new Mexico are still waiting for that money. The bill now moves on the Senate where it may face a tougher time. A main sticking point is proposed aid for California’s drought. Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California has vowed to defeat the drought measure.