Elizabeth Daniels, office of Rep. Newhouse (R-WA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The end-of-year spending package passed by both Chambers of Congress on December 21, included ground-breaking provisions Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced to maintain and update critical Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water supply infrastructure projects across the rural West. The provisions establish a first-of-its-kind Aging Infrastructure Account to provide stability and flexibility for local water managers who maintain and operate federal BOR water infrastructure.
Rep. Newhouse released the following statement:
“I introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act to ensure federal water supply infrastructure, like irrigation canals and dams, remain functional and efficient for the families, communities, and huge sectors of our economy across the West that depend on these critical Bureau of Reclamation projects,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The creation of an Aging Infrastructure Account demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to modernizing and updating our nation’s crumbling water supply infrastructure. This is a huge win for communities – like ours in rural Central Washington – that rely on this infrastructure for our way of life.”
Rep. Newhouse was recently elected Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress, with modernization of aging water infrastructure in the West serving as a key pillar of his platform. The inclusion of these provisions is a demonstration of his effective advocacy and leadership in securing these substantive improvements for rural communities.
“The National Water Resources Association thanks Congress for including water infrastructure legislation in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. We are especially grateful for the inclusion of Representative Newhouse’s Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act. As the incoming Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Representative Newhouse successfully advocated for the incorporation of language which will improve western water infrastructure and protect the health and livelihoods of millions of Americans while driving crucial economic activity.” – Ian Lyle, National Water Resources Association
“The Washington State Water Resources Association recognizes and thanks Congressman Newhouse for his leadership in securing funding for the improvement of water infrastructure in Washington state and across the West. His chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will ensure continued focus on the importance of water supply to the future of irrigated agriculture and the economies that depend on those supplies. Passage of the Water Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Act is evidence of Congressman Newhouse’s vision for his constituents and all of the Western states. We thank him for his significant effort on this legislation.” – Tom Myrum, Washington State Water Resources Association
“The Columbia Basin Project, while not yet completed, has components that are now 70+ years old. Aging infrastructure is an ongoing concern, and the Bureau has the permanent responsibility to address maintenance. Farmers need water to continue providing an affordable, safe, and reliable food supply. Without reliable water, farmers cannot meet ever-increasing food demands of the American people and the world. The Aging Infrastructure Account is a welcome and necessary component that allows water managers to access funds for outstanding maintenance needs on projects in the West including the Columbia Basin Project. These investments help support the $5 billion economic activity generated from our region alone. Congressman Newhouse’s longtime relationship and understanding of the needs of our region and specifically the Columbia Basin Project is to be applauded. We hope his chairmanship of the Congressional Western Caucus will continue to address the water infrastructure needs throughout the West.” – Vicky Sharlau, Columbia Basin Development League
“Much of the water infrastructure throughout the Yakima Valley is in urgent need of replacement and improvement. This Aging Infrastructure Account will go a long way to help our local water managers and operators ensure that we can continue to provide reliable water deliveries to farmers and families, make ecosystem enhancements throughout our region, and maximize efficient use of water in drought years. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for being a champion for western water users.” – Scott Revell, Roza Irrigation District
Background:
Rep. Newhouse introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Revitalization and Utilization Act in October 2019. The legislation, which aims to help local water operators and managers maintain and repair critical water supply infrastructure, includes language to create an Aging Infrastructure Account for BOR maintenance projects and allows repayment of funds to be used by BOR on future “extraordinary maintenance” programs without further appropriations.
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