Political Quotes

“This is, indeed, another example of getting things done, getting things done for fish, getting things done for farmers in the Northwest. As my colleagues know, our salmon runs face tremendous challenges there, the wild salmon runs do, and our farmers are under incredible pressure. This is one of those bills that is a win-win for both sides, because we are going to be installing fish screens that will help divert the salmon around these irrigation projects and help them on their way out to sea. We are going to help our farmers improve their water flows and protect their way of life as well. H.R. 1444 is to encourage irrigators to protect the Northwest endangered fish species. The bill aims to decrease fish mortality rates by constructing fish screens to prevent the juvenile salmon from swimming into water diversion projects. There is a local share that has to be involved here. Participation in the program is voluntary, and a local share of 35 percent of the costs of the project is required. This is one of those pieces of legislation that is actually a helping hand from the Federal Government in a true partnership with the local irrigation districts.”