Newhouse Testifies On Importance of Yakima Basin Plan’s Next Phase

Last week, Representative Dan Newhouse went before a House Natural Resources Subcommittee to discuss the importance of legislation he says would be an important next step in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan.  Newhouse said H.R. 4419 will help both the Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“Streamline both Bureaus environmental planning and study processes for new water projects.  Along with that, will, among other projects, authorize the next phase of the Yakima Basin’s Integrated Plan.”

Newhouse noted this streamlining process is a very important step in a long-term process, and will hopefully continue for many more years.  Newhouse added one of the biggest issues farmers across the Yakima Valley face is water availability and stream flows.  He says H.R. 4419 will help in ongoing efforts to improve storage and capturing water during peak run off times, and ensuring that water is available when needed.

“Being able to provide many of things for the environment, you know for fish and provide more supply for not just agriculture but for the growing communities.”

To learn more about H.R. 4419, which is also sponsored by Representative Dave Reichert, Click Here.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com