On the recordJuly 23, 2024
The fish bypass channel is a complete separate structure that is not connected to the irrigation facilities that have been in place for over 100 years. This new facility was just constructed within the last 10 years, and the Army Corps of Engineers constructed it. They funded that construction, and they took care of that construction. The irrigation project is a Bureau of Reclamation project. The only reason that the Army Corps of Engineers stepped in to do this work on the Yellowstone River was because they wanted to mitigate the pallid sturgeon because of the Endangered Species Act, and they found the cost much more reasonable to do that on the Yellowstone River, where the population is so much lower. Also, they could accomplish it easier than to go on the Lower Missouri, where they truly had the problem. They were mitigating this off-site. Now, they are trying to transfer those costs to the local farmers and ranchers, to the 350 families available. It is just not right. It is just not fair to unilaterally make that decision. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the support of my colleagues for this amendment. It is critically important for the folks in eastern Montana, and it sets a good precedent going across the Nation. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1445 The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rosendale). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
