Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly heard testimony Thursday on water infrastructure projects in rural areas during the first outdoor Senate hearing in more than 30 years in Flagstaff.

Community leaders testified about ongoing projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including levee repairs in Winslow, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe water supply, and the expansion of the Rio de Flag waterway in Flagstaff.

Kelley said the Flagstaff flooding was devastating for business owners and homeowners, “and their homes get damaged over and over again, not once in 100 years. They have to rebuild their homes.” “We are not allowed to make any additions, renovations, etc.,” he said. They want to do that because of insurance issues. ”

Kelly said he is focused on legislation that helps rural areas navigate federal bureaucracy and become “ready” for water projects. He plans to introduce the Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act to Congress in the coming weeks.