In 1964, Congress authorized the establishment of a water resources research institute in each state. The Colorado Institute was organized in 1965. Beginning in FY1996 and continuing through FY1998, Congress changed the allocation of funds to the state water institutes. The states included with Colorado in the Western Region are Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming.
Informational reports are also prepared to explain water issues to Colorado citizens.