Oregon Water Projects Finally Flow Through Senate

Press Release

Oregon Water Projects Finally Flow Through Senate
Senator Smith helps break months of deadlock

Following intensive negotiations between Democratic leadership, Oregon Senator Gordon Smith and Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn, the Senate today approved four important Oregon water projects and a provision aimed at preserving the heritage of areas surrounding the Lower Columbia River. Overcoming a unique stalemate, the legislation passed with vast bipartisan support in a 91 to 4 vote.

"These projects bring both environmental and economic benefits to every corner of Oregon," said Smith. "This legislation strikes the delicate balance between land use, conservation and recreation. Approval of these projects is long overdue."

The water projects in today's bill aim to improve water conservation and dam safety - strengthening public safety and increasing the water supply for Oregon ranchers and farmers. Richard Macy, chairman of North Unit Irrigation District remarked, "Enactment of this bill will enable our district to conserve even more water, benefitting our farmers and Deschutes River salmon and steelhead."

"The passage of this bill demonstrates support and commitment to our local efforts that will buoy the spirits of the Columbia-Pacific communities in Oregon and Washington. Our board and all our supporters greatly appreciate Senator Smith's leadership in spearheading this bill. We are truly proud of this bi-state, bi-partisan effort that our Senators and Representatives have joined forces to support," said Columbia River Heritage Area advocate Cyndi Mudge, Executive Director, Destination: The Pacific.

The four Oregon water projects and Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area Study Act were included in the Senate Public Lands bill. The bill now goes to the House, where it awaits approval.

Oregon projects in the bill include:

* Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act: Authorizes $2 million in annual federal assistance through 2015. The act will support important water conservation measures developed by local groups in the Deschutes River Basin.
* The North Unit Irrigation District Act: Amends the North Unit contract to permit water conservation that will benefit the Crooked and Deschutes River. The North Unit Irrigation District serves a 50,000 acre area in Jefferson County, where farmers and ranchers grow alfalfa hay, grass seed and also raise cattle and sheep.
* The Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation Act: Authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to supply grants or enter into cooperative agreements with local groups to plan and repair Wallowa Lake Dam, which has been declared a high-hazard structure by the Army Corps of Engineers. The bill provides $6 million in federal assistance and requires federal costs to be matched by local dollars.
* The Little Butte/Bear Creek Subbasins Water Feasibility Act: Authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a water management feasibility study on efforts byn local groups to benefit farmers, fish and the environment in the Rogue Valley. The Little Butte and Bear Creek Subbasins are located in Southern Oregon.

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