Introduction of the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Phase III Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce my legislation, the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Phase III Act. As my constituents know all too well, communities across the western United States are often faced with the detrimental impacts of droughts and water shortages. This bipartisan legislation offers solutions to give water users more certainty, while also recognizing the concerns of conservationists and the various stakeholders in the Yakima River Basin.

The Yakima River Basin is one of the leading agricultural regions in Washington State and throughout the country. The orchardists, wine grape and hop growers, and other members of the agricultural community inject approximately $3.2 billion into Washington's economy and support countless jobs in the area. However, the demand for water in the region currently exceeds the resources available, especially during times of drought, which have hit the state especially hard in the past few years.

With researchers predicting that drought seasons will only become more common and get worse as snowpack in the mountains continues to decline, action needs to be taken so that stakeholders in the Yakima River Basin can continue operating without having to worry about whether or not they will be able to water their crops or support key commercial and municipal activities. As the nation has witnessed extreme water problems in California, we must be proactive and have a viable plan in place should intense drought persist in Washington State.

The Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan was developed by a diverse group of stakeholders from the region, including farmers and ranchers; irrigation districts; county and city governments; tribes; conservation organizations; and state and federal agencies. The Plan will protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife habitat; provide increased operational flexibility to manage instream flows to meet ecological objectives; and improve the reliability of the water supply in the Yakima River Basin for irrigation, municipal supply, and domestic uses.

After years of tough negotiations, the Yakima River Basin Plan is a model of collaboration that offers a solution to give water users more certainty, while also recognizing the concerns of conservationists and the various stakeholders in the Yakima Basin. The authorization of this next crucial phase of the Plan is vital for my District. This legislation will provide the tools and necessary next steps to addressing our water challenges in Central Washington.

I thank my new colleague, Representative Schrier, for joining me in introducing this legislation, as well as Senator Cantwell for her partnership and continued determination to get this effort across the finish line. As this identical legislation currently moves through the Senate in the lands package legislation, I welcome all members to join me in supporting the legislation here in the People's House.

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