Newhouse Announces Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District Title Transfer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) announced the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has transmitted official congressional notification of the proposed conveyance of title to the Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District (GWID). He released the following statement in support of the title transfer:

"In Central Washington, we do everything we can to conserve our most precious resource: water," said Rep. Newhouse. "This title transfer is a major win because it enables the management of GWID's water supplies to be handled by those who know our needs best – those who live, work, and farm right here in our communities. I'm proud to have played a small part in finalizing this transfer, but it is truly our local water managers and operators who have been laying the groundwork and effectively advocating for local management of our resources. This is exactly the kind of improvement we need to allow our irrigation districts to efficiently deliver water to our rural communities. Congratulations to the Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District and to all who so greatly benefit from their important work for our region."

"This is a big day for local water users and farmers in North Central Washington," said Mike Miller, Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District (GWID) Manager. "After 30 years working for this district and providing service for 10,000 acres of tree fruit – fruit that feeds the world – I am proud to see this transfer through to fruition and to help pave the way for additional title transfers, guaranteeing a brighter future for a more reliable water supply in local communities across the United States. Thank you to our water managers, users, and federal partners – including Congressman Newhouse – for their support in making this conveyance a reality."

Background:

• The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2019, created a process for title transfers to be completed administratively.
• The law requires the Administration to transmit a congressional notification of the proposed conveyance. Congress has 90 days to enact a joint resolution disapproving the conveyance.
• After 90 days, under this title transfer, BOR will convey all right, title, and interest, including mineral interest, of the United States in and to the GWID subject to the terms and conditions included in the title transfer agreement.
• Upon conveyance of title, GWID will take ownership and manage these assets to meet current needs in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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