Alan Simpson: “I rise today to thank you for considering H.R. 4708, the Freemont Madison Conveyance Act. Under H.R. 4708, the Cross-cut…”

“I rise today to thank you for considering H.R. 4708, the Freemont Madison Conveyance Act. Under H.R. 4708, the Cross-cut Diversion Dam, Cross-cut Canal and five wells with associated water rights would be owned and operated by the FMID. The district has operated and maintained these facilities since they were constructed. In July the Resources Committee held a hearing on H.R. 4708. During this hearing the Bureau of Reclamation expressed concern over capping the costs for the required NEPA study and administrative costs associated with the transfer. After the hearing I worked with the Bureau and Freemont Madison Irrigation District to find a solution that is acceptable. The Resources Committee marked up an amended version of H.R. 4708. The amendment in the nature of the substitute was agreed up by all interested parties and was subsequently reported out of the Committee by unanimous consent. This bill is the culmination of many years of hard work by the members of the Freemont-Madison Irrigation District. In fact, it is one of the first issues I was approached with when I was elected to my first term in the House almost four years ago. I know the members of the Freemont-Madison will continue to provide quality service and remain the good stewards of the natural resources that are at their disposal upon transfer of this title and I look forward to the passage of H.R. 4708.”