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Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024
2/1/2025, 11:41 PM
Summary of Bill HR 7938
The Klamath Basin Water Agreement was originally signed in 2010 and aims to address longstanding water management issues in the region, including water allocation, endangered species protection, and tribal water rights. The agreement is seen as a way to promote sustainable water management practices and improve the overall health of the Klamath Basin ecosystem.
The Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024 seeks to provide federal support for the implementation of the agreement, including funding for water infrastructure projects, habitat restoration efforts, and other initiatives aimed at improving water quality and quantity in the region. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders, including farmers, tribes, and environmental groups, are taken into account in the implementation of the agreement. Overall, the Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024 is aimed at promoting cooperation and collaboration among stakeholders in the Klamath Basin region and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in the area. It is seen as a positive step towards addressing the complex water management issues that have long plagued the region and is likely to have a positive impact on the environment and economy of the Klamath Basin.
Congressional Summary of HR 7938
Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024
This act expands the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000, including by authorizing the Bureau of Reclamation to implement restoration activities in the Klamath Basin watershed in Oregon and California.
Specifically, Reclamation may plan, construct, operate, and maintain projects in the basin watershed, including
- facilities to reduce fish entrainment (i.e., the transport of fish along the flow of water, out of their normal habitat and into unnatural or harmful environments);
- projects that reduce or avoid impacts on aquatic resources caused by diversion of water for irrigation; and
- projects that restore basin watershed habitats, such as tribal fishery resources held in trust.
Reclamation may also
- undertake studies and improvements to implement restoration activities in the basin watershed;
- enter into contracts and agreements with state and local governments, tribes, and private parties to implement restoration activities; and
- accept and expend nonfederal funds in order to facilitate the activities.
In addition, the act authorizes Reclamation to reimburse Tulelake Irrigation District for up to 69% of the costs for the operation and maintenance of the irrigation Pumping Plant D in Tulelake, California.
Further, the act provides statutory authorization for Reclamation to implement the 2016 Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement that directs Reclamation to take ownership and operation of the Keno Dam and operation of the Link River Dam.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 7938
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7938
Total Number of Sponsors
15Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
15Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7938
Primary Policy Focus
Water Resources DevelopmentAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7938
Comments
Ayden Hutchinson
11 months ago
This bill is a disaster! It's gonna mess everything up for us in AR. I can't believe they're even considering passing it. It's gonna hurt us all in the long run. I can't believe they're trying to push this through without thinking about the consequences. It's just not right.
Ember Dickerson
10 months ago
I am so pleased to see the United States HR Bill 7938 Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024 being passed! This bill will provide much-needed support to the Klamath Basin region, ensuring that water resources are managed effectively and fairly. As a resident of New Hampshire, I may not be directly impacted by this bill, but I believe it is crucial for the well-being of communities in the Klamath Basin. I am glad to see our government taking action to address water management issues and support environmental conservation efforts. This bill shows that our lawmakers are committed to finding solutions that benefit both people and the environment. I am hopeful that this legislation will lead to positive changes in the Klamath Basin and beyond. What do you think will be the short-term effects of this bill on the Klamath Basin region?
