Nick Rahall: “I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4474, introduced by our colleagues, Mr. Walt Minnick and Mike Simpson of Idaho.…”

“I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4474, introduced by our colleagues, Mr. Walt Minnick and Mike Simpson of Idaho. This bill would authorize the continued use of certain water diversions located in wilderness areas on national forest system land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in the State of Idaho. Predating the existence of the two wilderness areas, private land owners had received permits to maintain and repair these water diversions. The water is used for a combination of purposes, including drinking water for private cabins and ranches. Many of the permits have since expired, leaving those who own the water diversions without the ability to mechanically maintain the systems because they are located in designated wilderness. Under the terms of this legislation, the Secretary of Agriculture could only issue new permits if the owner demonstrates that the facility existed prior to the designated wilderness, the facility had been used to deliver water to the owner's land since the designation, the owner had a valid water right, and it would not be practical to move the facility out of the wilderness area. This is narrowly tailored legislation designed to put in place a balanced reasonable solution to a specific conflict.”