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Managing America: Environment and Resources

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Week Ending July 27, 2007

H.R.495 To update the management of Oregon water resources, and for other purposes.

The US Bureau of Reclamation will continue to participate in the Deschutes River Reclamation project and provides that 4 representatives of private interests in the project actively farm 100 acres of irrigated land and that they not be irrigation district managers.

The Bureau will pay $2 million yearly through 2016 for 50% of the cost of performing projects proposed and approved.

The bill also authorizes agreements with tribal, state and local governments with Associated Ditch Companies, Inc (an Oregon non-profit) to plan, design and build facilities needed to implement the Wallowa Lake Dam rehabilitation Program by providing grants. $6 million. ADC assumes any liability.

The Secretary is authorized to participate in the Water for Irrigation, Streams and the Economy Project water management feasibility study and environmental impact statement.$500,000.

The Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation) may in the future renegotiate with the District such terms of the Contract as the District directors determine to be necessary, only upon the written request of the District directors and the consent of the Commissioner of Reclamation.

Sponsor:  Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR-2^nd)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote July 23, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: $8.5 million

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