U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Representative Troy Downing have introduced the “Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act.” The legislation is designed to clarify that the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) will maintain exclusive ownership, operational control, and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel. This channel was constructed to aid in the recovery of the endangered pallid sturgeon.
The bill aims to protect local irrigators from being required to pay for federal projects or long-term conservation costs associated with the bypass channel. According to Senator Daines, “Montana’s local communities should not be unfairly burdened by costly federal projects. I’m thrilled to work alongside Representative Downing to introduce the ‘Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act,’ which will help protect Montana’s endangered species and provide essential operational and financial stability for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel.”
Representative Downing stated, “This bill provides a common sense solution to what should be a common sense issue on the Lower Yellowstone River. It’s good for irrigators, good for taxpayers, good for the sturgeon, and ensures long-term operational and financial stability for the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel in Eastern Montana. I’m proud to have such a great partner in Senator Daines to champion this legislation and look forward to getting it across the finish line.”
The Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel was authorized in 2007 and built by BOR as a measure to reduce harm to endangered pallid sturgeon populations. The structure is separate from the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project (LYIP), which repays costs related only to irrigation infrastructure. Maintenance needs of the bypass arise due to federal obligations; LYIP has indicated it cannot afford nor should be responsible for these repairs, especially since winter ice can cause significant damage that exceeds their capacity.