Smith Bill Transferring Reservoirs to Local Control Advances from Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources Bruce Westerman (R-AR) released the following statements after the committee’s unanimous passage of Rep. Adrian Smith’s bill (H.R. 8413) to transfer Swanson Reservoir and Red Willow Reservoir land from the Bureau of Reclamation to Hitchcock County, Nebraska, and Frontier County, Nebraska, respectively.

“This is a significant legislative milestone for the people who enjoy and patronize these southwest Nebraska reservoirs and the communities who welcome them,” said Rep. Smith. “I’m grateful for the leadership of Chairman Westerman and the strong collaboration with my colleagues and county officials to move this bill forward. I look forward to working with our congressional delegation to continue the advancing of this solution for the reservoir communities which rightfully recognizes local interests and proper stewardship of our public lands.”

“Congressman Smith’s legislation will return land to local land managers and ensure the Bureau of Reclamation can focus on their top priorities instead of parochial issues,” said Chairman Westerman. “Anytime we can take responsibility off of the federal government and return it to local control is a win for communities in Nebraska and beyond.”

Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE), Don Bacon (R-NE), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) are cosponsors of the House bill. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

BACKGROUND:

Earlier this year, Smith and Fischer, with members of the Nebraska delegation, introduced the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act after an outpouring of community dissatisfaction with Bureau of Reclamation management of the concession areas at the Swanson and Red Willow Reservoirs.