bypass sits on federal land, ….

bypass sits on federal land, is outside of the irrigation district’s boundaries and was built with federal funding.

He said his bill will provide financial certainly for area growers and property owners. He added that local partners should not be left “holding the bag.”

Downing said the bill will maintain crop production while also protecting the unique native pallid sturgeon.

The bill was introduced by Downing and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.

“Montana’s local communities should not be unfairly burdened by costly federal projects,” Daines said in a press release last December. “I’m thrilled to work alongside Rep. Downing to introduce the Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act, which will help protect Montana’s endangered species and provide essential operational and financial stability for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel.”