Federal Funding Secured for Yellowstone Fish Bypass; Protecting Farmers from Costs.
This law legally confirms that the federal government retains sole financial and operational responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel, built to protect the endangered pallid sturgeon. This measure permanently shields local irrigation districts and farmers from bearing any maintenance, repair, or monitoring costs associated with this federal environmental project. It voids any prior attempts to shift these burdens locally.
Key points
The federal government must maintain full ownership and financial responsibility for the Fish Bypass Channel in perpetuity.
Local irrigation districts and farmers are legally prohibited from being burdened with any costs or operational duties related to this endangered species conservation project.
$1 million is authorized annually from the federal budget to ensure continuous operation and maintenance of the channel, protecting local budgets.
Introduced
Citizen Poll