Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., celebrated the Senate unanimously passing a bipartisan bill to support farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin with improved tools to respond to severe drought, while restoring fish and wildlife habitat in the region.
The Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act, introduced by Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., is companion legislation to Wyden’s Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement Support Act. The bill provides federal agencies with the authorities necessary to cover the costs of infrastructure upgrades and operation that provide both water for agriculture and environmental benefits. The companion legislation passed the House earlier this week, and now heads to the president’s desk for signature.
“I have heard from countless Oregonians in my town halls across Southern Oregon who are struggling to make ends meet as the Klamath Basin is crushed by severe drought,” Wyden said. “This bill delivers on the promises we have made to the ranchers and farmers in dire need of these resources. This bill will ensure the Klamath Basin’s economy can thrive for generations to come while protecting and restoring endangered fish habitats.”
“Klamath Basin communities continue to face challenges from persistent drought, and our soon-to-be-law gives a much-needed boost to farmers and ranchers,” Merkley said, who serves as the Chairman of the Interior Subcommittee that funds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “As efforts continue to strengthen the region following the removal of the four lower Klamath River dams this year, this bill honors the pledge we made to the farmers and ranchers on the Klamath Project as part of the historic Klamath Basin Power and Facilities Agreement.”
“Senators Wyden and Merkley have been laser focused on this legislation for years,” said Paul Simmons, Executive Director of Klamath Water Users Association. “We are extremely grateful for their leadership and skill in getting this across the goal line for the benefit of the Klamath farmers and the wildlife of the Klamath Basin.”
Wyden and Merkley have been long-time advocates in the Senate calling for bipartisan support to help ensure rural communities in Oregon and nationwide have the tools they need to prepare for and withstand severe drought. In February 2023, Senators Wyden and Merkley introduced the Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement Support Act to help communities in the Klamath Basin respond to ongoing severe drought. In July 2023, Wyden held a Water and Power Subcommittee hearing on bills, including his Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement Support Act, that would help Oregon and Western states prepare for severe drought, while improving water access and infrastructure.
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