SW Arkansas Times

The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened to discuss four legislative bills centered on western water infrastructure and the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design program. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) emphasized the significance of these proposals: "Today, the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee considered four important bills three that will continue Republican efforts to promote the importance of maintaining and modernizing western water management and one that continues a successful Jr. Duck Stamp Conservation and Design program. These bills, if enacted, will protect our communities, strengthen local economies, protect the environment, and connect next generation to the outdoors."

One of the key pieces of legislation is H.R. 9514, known as the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), this bill aims to remove interest payments imposed on water users for nonfederal costs associated with Arkansas Valley Conduit pipelines.

Another proposal under consideration is H.R. 9515, titled the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2024. This bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) and seeks to permit non-federal funds from this program to be placed in an interest-bearing account, potentially generating $2 million annually.

H.R. 9969 was presented by U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.). This legislation intends to allow the Western Area Power Administration to manage impacts stemming from recent decisions regarding flow experiments at Glen Canyon Dam on the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund.

Additionally, H.R. 7642 proposes reauthorization of the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program through 2030. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), this initiative promotes conservation education among children while encouraging their participation in outdoor activities.