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Managing America: Environment and Resources

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Week Ending October 26, 2007

H.R.1462 To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the implementation of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin and to modify the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir.

The bill authorizes The Secretary of Interior to continue in a cooperative agreement with States and other Federal and non-federal agencies to implement the Platte River Recovery Program for threatened and endangered species in the Central and Lower Platte River Basin and to do so without creating Federal water rights or requiring grant of water rights to the Federal entities. Further, the bill allows for modifications of the Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir.

The authorization is for participation in the First Increment totaling 13 years.

The activities involved will include planning, designing, permitting and other compliance activity, preconstruction, construction, construction management, operation, maintenance and replacement of a facility. Also included is acquisition of land and water interests, habitat restoration, research and monitoring, program administration and other activity determined to be necessary.

Non-federal entities (including States) will be $30 million yearly.

The Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir may be modified and the Secretary may enter an agreement with the State of Wyoming to modify the Dam. The project will recapture 54,000 acre-feet of dam capacity lost to sediment and the water may be used for municipal, environmental and other purposes.

Sponsor:  Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO-2^nd)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote October 22, 2007

Cost to the taxpayers: “There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out projects and activities under this title $157,140,000”

Earmark Certification:  

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