Newhouse, Reichert Introduce Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Legislation

Statement

Today Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced legislation to authorize a key phase of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, an initiative to better accommodate the water needs of the agricultural community, conservationists, residents, and other stakeholders in the Yakima River Basin region. Reps. Reichert and Newhouse made the following statements after introducing the bill:

"After years of conversations, I am proud that we have finally come together on a forward-thinking plan that will work to protect the future economic health of the Yakima Basin and the surrounding regions," said Rep. Reichert. "Implementing this plan will give agricultural producers the confidence they need to continue operating and expanding in the area, while respecting the concerns of conservationists and local residents. I look forward to working further with Congressman Newhouse in urging our colleagues to move this legislation through Congress and to the President's desk as quickly as possible. "

"I am proud to join with my colleague Congressman Reichert in this long-anticipated step forward for the Yakima Basin Plan as a national model for collaborative water infrastructure planning," said Rep. Newhouse. "Meeting existing human and environmental needs requires updating current water supply infrastructure. In the Yakima Basin, agriculture communities have seen and felt the devastating impact of water shortages and drought conditions as water has become increasingly scarce. This legislation will improve water infrastructure, storage, and conservation, as well as the reliability of our water supply for irrigation and other out-of-stream uses. This will all be done in concert with rebuilding fish runs, improving stream flows, and protecting headwater areas. From farming and ranching, to manufacturing and municipal uses, to recreation and wildfire response, a reliable supply of water is an indispensable resource in the West. Now is the time to take collaborative action to secure resilient water supplies for our future and generations to come."

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