[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 129 (Sunday, October 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PROVO RIVER PROJECT TRANSFER ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. CHRIS CANNON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 2004

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3391.
  Mr. Speaker, due to pressing family matters, I was unable to be 
present on the floor while this bill was being considered. I want to go 
on record strongly supporting this bill and want to thank the House for 
unanimously supporting this legislation.
  H.R. 3391 authorizes the title transfer of certain features of the 
Provo River Project--including the Provo Reservoir Canal, as well as 
the Salt Lake Aqueduct and certain land in Pleasant Grove, Utah, from 
the Bureau of Reclamation to non-federal ownership.
  For the past 60 years the Provo River Water Users Association has 
operated the Provo Reservoir Canal, also known as the Murdock Canal. As 
long as the title remains in the name of the federal government, the 
water users association and local communities who use the water are 
unable to obtain the tax-exempt financing necessary to properly improve 
and manage the canal. Passage of this title transfer will now allow 
that to happen.
  There are additional benefits to this legislation. For example, 
significant water efficiencies will result from title transfer. 
Approximately 8 percent of the water is lost each year to evaporation 
and seepage since the canal is not enclosed. Transferring ownership 
will allow it to be enclosed. There are environmental benefits as 
well--for instance, some of the saved water will be made available to 
meet the needs of the endangered June sucker. Further, covering the 
canal will also allow for the development of recreational trails that 
can be used for hiking and cycling.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank you and my other colleagues for supporting this 
important piece of legislation.

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