Congress Approves Oregon Water Projects

Press Release

Congress Approves Oregon Water Projects
Four important Oregon water projects await the President's signature to become law

This week, the House joined the Senate in approving four important Oregon water projects and a provision aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the Lower Columbia River area. The legislation now awaits the President's signature to become law. After months of partisan gridlock, Senator Gordon Smith led efforts in the Senate to seek bipartisan agreement to the bill.

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

The water projects aim to improve water conservation and dam safety - strengthening public safety and increasing the water supply for Oregon ranchers and farmers. The projects as well as the Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area Study Act were included in both the Senate and House Public Lands bills. Now that both chambers have passed the bill, it will be sent to the President to become law.

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 by 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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