House Committee Unanimously Approves Newhouse Legislation to Transfer Kennewick Irrigation District Title

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved his legislation to transfer title of U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) related works and lands to the Kennewick Irrigation District (KID). H.R. 278 is identical to legislation the House of Representatives approved before the end of the 115^th Congress, but the Senate failed to act on the bill before the 115^th Congress adjourned. In accordance with the December 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between KID and BOR, this legislation will transfer title of works beginning at KID's head gate and extending 40 miles east to the Columbia River. The transfer includes the conveyance of land and project facilities and should be completed no later than two years after the enactment.

"Water users of the Kennewick Irrigation District deserve responsive, local management," said Rep. Newhouse. "I am grateful for the support of the House Natural Resources Committee, who voted to pass my legislation unanimously, and I look forward to it being approved on the House floor."

Click here to read the text of H.R. 278.

Background:

• H.R. 278 conveys title for the facilities managed and operated by Kennewick Irrigation District (KID). It does not privatize federal water projects or properties within the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).

• KID will complete an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as all necessary Endangered Species Act, National Historical Preservation Act, and hazardous review processes.

• KID and BOR have committed to ensuring 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.