Yakima River Basin Water Project Pt 1

Yakima River Basin Water Project Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. The Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project took a big step forward last week when Representative Dan Newhouse introduced resolution.

It's part of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Plan that helps manage the water needs in Central Washington, including those of the agricultural community.

Newhouse says Thursday's action was very satisfying ...

NEWHOUSE ... "I was very excited to be able to introduce legislation, the number is HR 1048, the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Phase III. So, I got that introduced. As you know, this has been a decades-long effort, as far back as I can remember we've been working on enhancing the Yakima River Basin and I'm proud to be able to say that we're making great progress."

But, how does HR 1048 work with the Yakima River Basin plan? ...

NEWHOUSE ... "What this will do is to authorize Phase III which will help to better accommodate the water needs not only the agricultural community, but conservationists and residents and all stake holders within the Yakima River Basin. It's vital for the current needs and certainly the future of growth of truly one of our richest agricultural regions in the whole country."

Newhouse says the next phase of the Plan also provides a national model of collaboration between members of a diverse group that includes the interests of state and local stakeholders, irrigators, conservationists, tribes, and fish passage.

The legislation is cosponsored by new 8th District Representative Kim Schrier who says she applauds Rep. Newhouse and Sen. Cantwell for their years of work on this important project.

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