Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions - S 1308

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. SMITH):

    S. 1308. A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to pursue and complete actions related to the implementation of a U.S. District of a U.S. District Court Consent Decree; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Savage Rapids Dam Act of 2003, for myself and my friend and colleague from Oregon, Senator GORDON SMITH.

    This legislation is another good example of the Oregon way: bringing together varied interests to get win-win results for all stakeholders. Born out of controversy concerning the detrimental effects of the Savage Rapids Dam on fish passage and survival, this legislation is now supported by the Grants Pass Irrigation District, Waterwatch, Oregon's Governor, Trout Unlimited, and various Oregon river guide and sport fishing concerns.

    This legislation simply authorizes the Secretary of Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, to undertake activities identified for Federal implementation, including construction, in accordance with U.S. District Court Consent Decree "United States, et al., v. Grants Pass Irrigation District, Civil No. 98-3034-HO", August 27, 2001.

    This legislation has been years in the making. Senator SMITH and I introduced a related measure in the 106th Congress. As we return to this legislation in the 108th Congress, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the stakeholders at home to make this legislation and this process work for the Grants Pass Irrigation District and the environment.

    I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.