Barrasso Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Address Aging Indian Irrigation Projects

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced the Irrigation Rehabilitation and Renovation for Indian Tribal Governments and Their Economies Act or IRRIGATE Act. The bill holds the federal government accountable for addressing the maintenance backlog of aging Indian irrigation projects in Wyoming and across the West.

"Over a century ago, the federal government made a promise to Indian Country to build and maintain Indian irrigation projects like the ones on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming," said Chairman Barrasso. "The reality is that hasn't happened. These aging projects are in desperate need of repair and maintenance. Our bill follows through on our commitment to tribal communities by ensuring our irrigation projects are safe and efficient."

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