[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 131 (Friday, August 3, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO 
    CONVEY CERTAIN FACILITIES, EASEMENTS, AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO THE 
         KENNEWICK IRRIGATION DISTRICT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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                           HON. DAN NEWHOUSE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2018

  Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce an important 
piece of legislation authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to 
transfer title of certain Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) assets to the 
Kennewick Irrigation District (KID) in Central Washington.
  This straightforward legislation, in accordance with a December 2017 
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Kennewick Irrigation District 
and BOR, will transfer title of works beginning at the KID's head gate 
and extending 40 miles east. The transfer includes the conveyance of 
land and project facilities and should be completed no later than two 
years after the enactment.
  In working toward a successful transfer, the KID will include an 
Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act as 
well as all necessary Endangered Species Act review, National 
Historical Preservation Act review, and a hazardous materials review. 
The KID and BOR have also committed to ensure that all stakeholders, 
tribal concerns, and local interests have a seat at the table 
throughout the process. In addition to ensuring the proper reviews are 
completed, KID will repay their allocated share of construction costs 
to the federal government.
  Throughout Central Washington, there are several irrigation districts 
which work to manage and maintain reliable water supplies to cities, 
farmers, tribes, and recreational interest and they have done so 
successfully for many decades. The KID is no different. By completing 
this title transfer we can ensure there will be a safe, reliable, and 
efficient water supply for the next generation.

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