Political Quotes

“I agree. I am grateful that the other long-term benefits that were to be considered under the original Senate Klamath language will still be considered under this provision: benefits to the agricultural economy through incentives for the use of irrigation efficiency, water conservation, or other agricultural practices; wetland restoration; and improvement of upper Basin watershed and water quality. Due to the cooperative nature of all farm programs, I remain hopeful that this provision will be implemented in a manner that respects and uses the local expertise of the Klamath Basin farmers. In addition, this program should be implemented in the Klamath Basin while the administration considers the long term effects of the water savings. The original Senate Klamath language required the USDA to spend $175 million over 5 years, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, on Klamath Basin hydrology and wetlands restoration using any applicable USDA program. The particular programs were not noted in order to provide some flexibility for the Department and basin farmers. The current language limits that flexibility, but fills an important purpose in the basin.”