TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending December 16, 2005

S.648 A bill to amend the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 to extend the authority for drought assistance.

BRIEF

The bill extends through 2010 a 1991 Act that authorizes the US Bureau of Reclamation to undertake drought relief through emergency assistance and planning. The authority provides for construction, management and conservation measures and mitigation of fish and wildlife impacted. Construction projects other than permanent well construction are only to be temporary projects. Temporary contracts are authorized to make water available.

Sponsor: Senator Gordon H. Smith (OR)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent December 16, 2005

Cost to the taxpayers: “CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $18 million over the 2006-2010 period and another $2 million after 2010.”

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