[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PICK-SLOAN PROJECT FACILITIES TRANSFER ACT

                                 ______


                            HON. PAT ROBERTS

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 1995

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Speaker, one of the key reform goals of this 
Congress is to examine all aspects of the Federal Government's 
involvement in the day-to-day lives of our citizens, and determine 
which of those Federal roles would be more efficiently managed on the 
local level and/or by the private sector. The portions of the Pick-
Sloan project in Kansas and Nebraska, appear to fit this category.
  However, the procedures established that allow the Bureau of 
Reclamation to transfer title--and the management and financial 
responsibilities--to the irrigation districts are often contentious and 
inordinately time consuming.
  Today I am introducing a bill to expedite this process and so all 
interested parties can raise their issues and concerns relative to the 
title transfer of the Kansas and Nebraska Pick-Sloan projects. There 
are sure to be provisions in this bill that some may find problematic. 
The introduction of this legislation will encourage a comprehensive 
discussion on this transfer to ensure all appropriate issues are 
adequately addressed.
  The Missouri River Basin, Kansas and Nebraska, Pick-Sloan Facilities 
Transfer Act will contribute to our continuing efforts to reduce and 
reform the role of the Federal Government. And by the consideration of 
this act, Congress will provide an opportunity for all interested 
parties to register their concerns so they can be properly addressed.

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