Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the House Committee on Natural Resources. I appreciate this opportunity, and I appreciate their support of H.R. 8413. The Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act would begin the process of transferring ownership of roughly 77 acres of land from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Counties of Hitchcock and Frontier together. Importantly, this land does not include any water or power assets. I am proud to represent Nebraska's Third District, which is home to both reservoirs impacted by this legislation. Over the last few years, working closely with impacted stakeholders, as well as Senator Deb Fischer, it is clear how important this transfer is to the local communities. The current management of the land supports local marinas, housing communities, and areas for local economic activity. However, should the Bureau of Reclamation maintain ownership, impending changes to land use policy would force the removal of these businesses and communities from the land. When the Bureau of Reclamation announced the planned management changes, it spawned extensive collaboration between the local communities, businesses, and housing owners. This collaboration generated outstanding support for a land transfer that would allow for increased local control of the recreational areas.…”