Introduction of Legislation to Direct the Secretary of the Interior to Convey Certain Facilities, Easements, and Rights-Of-Way to the Kennewick Irrigation District, and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce an important piece of legislation authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to transfer title of certain Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) assets to the Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) in Central Washington.

This straightforward legislation, in accordance with a December 2017 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Kennewick Irrigation District and BOR, will transfer title of works beginning at the KID's head gate and extending 40 miles east. The transfer includes the conveyance of land and project facilities and should be completed no later than two years after the enactment.

In working toward a successful transfer, the KID will include an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act as well as all necessary Endangered Species Act review, National Historical Preservation Act review, and a hazardous materials review. The KID and BOR have also committed to ensure that all stakeholders, tribal concerns, and local interests have a seat at the table throughout the process. In addition to ensuring the proper reviews are completed, KID will repay their allocated share of construction costs to the federal government.

Throughout Central Washington, there are several irrigation districts which work to manage and maintain reliable water supplies to cities, farmers, tribes, and recreational interest and they have done so successfully for many decades. The KID is no different. By completing this title transfer we can ensure there will be a safe, reliable, and efficient water supply for the next generation.

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