On Monday, the governors of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, as well as the U.S. secretary of the Interior, signed an agreement to extend the program that protects four endangered species in the Platte River watershed while delivering water to approximately five million people.

“Programs like the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program are critical to ensuring that [the Bureau of Reclamation is able to deliver water and power in an environmentally and economically sound manner,” said Bureau Commissioner Brenda Burman. “This program is a true success story of how stakeholders and government from across state lines can work together for the common good.”

The program began in 2007 and, among other responsibilities, manages 29,000 acres of habitat. In its first 13 years, the initiative received $156 million from the federal and state governments. In the 13-year extension, the funding will be equally split between Interior and the three states.

“The commitment by the states and the U.S. Department of the Interior to continue the program’s innovative approach to species recovery and Endangered Species Act compliance is a win-win for the future of Colorado’s citizens and the environment,” said Gov. Jared Polis.

Earlier this month, as part of the appropriations process, Congress passed a provision to reauthorize the program. U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, as well as the congressional delegations from all three states, co-sponsored the legislation.