Downing Testifies In Support Of Irrigation District, Farmers

Working in support of eastern Montana’s agriculture, U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont., testified in support of his bill, the Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act, before the House Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The bill seeks to have the Bureau of Reclamation retain exclusive ownership, operational control and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone’s fish bypass channel.

Downing testified that the bypass was completed in 2022 to encourage growth of endangered pallid sturgeon. He says the bill is a “winwin,” as it will maintain conservation practices while supporting rural communities.

The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project helps provides water for 59,000 acres of farm land in eastern Montana and western North Dakota.

The financial responsibility of the bypass has been by the Bureau of Reclamation, but area growers are concerned that they might be forced to handle some of the cost in the future.

“The possibility is a non-starter for my constituents,” Downing testified.

Downing pointed out that the bypass sits on federal land, is outside 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.”