Delegation Introduces Bill To Support Irrigation

U.S. Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02) and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the “Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act.” The bill reaffirms that the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) retains exclusive ownership, operational control and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel, built to support the recovery of the endangered pallid sturgeon.

Downing and Daines’ bill provides critical protections for irrigators, ensuring that local communities are not unfairly charged for federal projects and are protected from bearing the costs of long-term conservation efforts.

“This bill provides a common sense solution to what should be a common sense issue on the Lower Yellowstone River,” said Downing. “It’s good for irrigators, good for taxpayers, good for the sturgeon, and ensures longterm operational and financial stability for the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel in eastern Montana. I’m proud to have such a great partner in Sen. Daines to champion this legislation and look forward to getting it across the finish line.”

“Montana’s local communities should not be unfairly burdened by costly federal projects,’“ said Daines. “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.”