[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19391]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE OGLALA SIOUX TRIBE ANGOSTURA IRRIGATION PROJECT 
                   REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Ms. HERSETH. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the Oglala 
Sioux Tribe Angostura Irrigation Project Rehabilitation and Development 
Act. This legislation authorizes much-needed efficiency improvements to 
the irrigation facilities at the Angostura Unit, a Federal Bureau of 
Reclamation dam on the Cheyenne River in South Dakota. These 
improvements will restore critical water resources and promote economic 
development on the nearby Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
  This bill provides important resources to the citizens of South 
Dakota and the Lakota people of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It 
authorizes funds to carry out the Bureau of Reclamation's recommended 
improvements to the irrigation facilities at the Angostura dam. The dam 
provides substantial economic benefits to many South Dakotans. It 
provides irrigation to 12,218 acres of land which benefits ranchers and 
agricultural producers in the area, and it supports an important 
recreational boating and fishing industry which is enjoyed by many of 
our citizens.
  Until now, however, the Angostura dam has failed to provide any of 
these economic benefits to the members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe who 
live just 20 miles downstream of the dam on the Pine Ridge Indian 
Reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe has long relied on the resources 
provided by the Cheyenne River, which forms part of the northern 
boundary of its reservation. Long before the dam was constructed as 
part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Project, the Tribe relied 
on the river as an important economic resource. Since it was completed, 
however, the dam has taken an enormous toll on the Tribe. The dam 
curbed the Cheyenne River's natural flow, reducing water quality on the 
Reservation, diminishing natural riparian habitats, adversely impacting 
fish and wildlife and forcing important Tribal agricultural enterprises 
to shut their doors.
  The bill implements the Bureau of Reclamation's preferred alternative 
in its revised water management plan for the Angostura Unit, which 
calls for improved efficiencies in irrigation operations that will free 
up additional water resources for both existing water users and the 
Tribe. In addition, the legislation would authorize the creation of a 
trust fund to compensate the Tribe for the devastating economic impacts 
and loss of natural resources caused by the operation of the dam. The 
fund will be used to promote economic and infrastructure development on 
the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and enhance the education, health and 
general welfare of the Oglala Lakota people.
  The bill is a companion to S. 1996, which was introduced by Senator 
Daschle on December 9, 2003 and is co-sponsored by Senators Johnson and 
Inouye. S. 1996 was recently reported favorably to the Senate by the 
Committee on Indian Affairs.
  I hope that my distinguished colleagues will take up and pass this 
legislation quickly. It will allow all of us in South Dakota to better 
use our natural resources, while keeping our solemn commitment to deal 
fairly and honorably with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Lakota people 
of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I ask for your help and support 
in moving it forward.

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