ICYMI: Downing, Daines Introduce Bill to Support Irrigation, Protect Montana Endangered Species

Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the "Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act." The bill reaffirms that the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) retains exclusive ownership, operational control, and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel, built to support the recovery of the endangered pallid sturgeon. Downing and Daines' bill provides critical protections for irrigators, ensuring that local communities are not unfairly charged for federal projects and are protected from bearing the costs of long-term conservation efforts.

"This bill provides a common sense solution to what should be a common sense issue on the Lower Yellowstone River," said Congressman Downing."It's good for irrigators, good for taxpayers, good for the sturgeon, and ensures long-term operational and financial stability for the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel in Eastern Montana. I'm proud to have such a great partner in Senator Daines to champion this legislation and look forward to getting it across the finish line."

"Montana's local communities should not be unfairly burdened by costly federal projects,'" said Senator Daines."I'm thrilled to work alongside Representative Downing to introduce the 'Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act,' which will help protect Montana's endangered species and provide essential operational and financial stability for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel."

Read bill text here.

Background:

Authorized in 2007 and built by Bureau of Reclamation, the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel mitigates harm to the endangered pallid sturgeon and lies outside the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project. While LYIP repays irrigation infrastructure costs, the bypass's repair needs stem from federal obligations and LYIP believes they should not (and cannot afford) to reimburse BOR for repair and maintenance costs. In the winter often minivan-sized pieces of ice crash into these bypasses causing extensive damage that the LYIP cannot afford to repair.

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