Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) has introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act, a bill aimed at assisting the Bureau of Reclamation in repairing urban canals that are considered to be at risk. The legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Adam Gray (D-CA), and Russ Fulcher (R-ID).
“Urban canal maintenance is an issue across the country, but especially in Grant County, Washington,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation gives local authorities additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern. I strongly support this bill and thank Rep. Simpson for again leading this important effort.”
Rep. Simpson added, “We must address urban canal repairs to protect Idahoans and Westerners’ way of life. The substantial urban growth around irrigation canals has created challenges and poses a threat to communities nearby. It’s well past time we act on these concerns. The Urban Canal Modernization Act does just that by maintaining safety, expanding accessibility, and providing additional tools to ensure these crucial repairs get completed.”
Rep. Gray commented, “While California’s population has more than doubled since the mid-20th century, our water capacity hasn’t expanded to meet the needs of our communities. The federal government must invest in our existing water systems to reduce costs on water users and our farmers. The bipartisan Urban Canal Modernization Act would rebuild crumbling, outdated water infrastructure in the Valley to bring us into the 21st century.”
Rep. Fulcher stated, “Urban canals are vital to agricultural, irrigation, and the water needs of our communities. Yet much of this critical infrastructure—some of it more than a century old—is in urgent need of repair. The Urban Canals Modernization Act is a common-sense solution to help address these challenges and ensure our canals in Idaho and across the country get the updates they need. I am proud to be a primary co-sponsor.”
The proposed legislation would allow the Bureau of Reclamation to provide a 35 percent non-reimbursable cost share for repairing or rehabilitating urban canals where failure could result in significant property damage or loss of life.
Dan Newhouse represents Washington’s 4th district in Congress after replacing Doc Hastings in 2015; he previously served in Washington’s House of Representatives from 2003 until 2009.
Newhouse was born in Sunnyside, Washington in 1955 and continues to reside there today.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Washington State University in 1977.
