Newhouse Introduces Bill Targeting Urban Canal Repairs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced The Urban Canal Modernization Act alongside Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02).

This legislation allows the Bureau of Reclamation to authorize a 35 percent non-reimbursable cost share to help repair and rehabilitate “urban canals of concern,” canals through urban areas that would cause significant property damage or possible loss of life if the canal were to fail.

“As a proud primary co-sponsor of The Urban Canals Modernization Act, I recognize the need to address the increasingly difficult task of maintaining and modernizing our urban canal systems,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “As these structures continue to age, it is crucial to supply local managers with the resources needed to protect both property, and people, from a potential disaster. Access to these waterways is vital to Central Washington particularly in communities most impacted by this issue like Soap Lake, Ephrata, and Quincy., We must ensure these canals remain healthy and reliable for the people who depend on it every day.”

The full bill text can be found here.