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. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce legislation authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to transfer title of certain Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) works to the Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) in Central Washington.

The legislation will transfer title of BOR works beginning at KID's headgate extending 40 miles east. The transfer includes the conveyance of land and project facilities and must be completed no later than two years after its enactment. This title transfer will allow KID to manage water supplies more efficiently, while also reducing federal liabilities and providing a cost savings benefit to the federal government.

KID was initially built to serve the agricultural community in the Tri-Cities area. Today, the majority of ratepayers live in residential developments, and the change from farmland to urbanization is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.

Madam Speaker, in the last Congress the House overwhelmingly supported this legislation. Unfortunately, the Senate was unable to bring the bill up for consideration before final adjournment, so that is why I am reintroducing this legislation to attain swift action and consideration by our Senate colleagues to get this to the President's desk.

I hope that we can move this legislation soon to ensure there will be a safe, reliable, and efficient water supply for the next generation in Central Washington.

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