April 25, 2005

Dan Keppen joins Oregon Water Resources Congress as Federal Affairs Coordinator

(SALEM, OR) The Oregon Water Resources Congress has contracted with Dan Keppen to coordinate its Federal Affairs Program.

“We are pleased to have Dan join OWRC’s federal affairs program bringing his extensive experience in water resource issues and his familiarity with the federal issues facing Oregon’s irrigation and water control districts” according to Jim Pendleton, OWRC President.

Working with OWRC’s Federal Affairs Committee and Executive Director Anita Winkler, Keppen is charged with increasing OWRC’s visibility on federal issues facing its membership.  He will be coordinating with Peter Carlson of Will and Carlson, OWRC’s long-time Government Affairs representative in Washington D.C. in implementing OWRC’s program both legislatively and administratively.

Keppen will draw on sixteen years working in water resources issues including experience with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Northern California Water Association, and most recently as the Executive Director of the Klamath Water Users Association in helping guide OWRC’s federal agenda.

OWRC’s federal agenda includes modification of the Endangered Species Act; the NPDES permit requirement for the use of aquatic herbicides in irrigation canals; funding for fish screen and fish passage needs of its members; federal jurisdiction over irrigation facilities; funding for water conservation programs for its members; hydropower generation by member districts; and Bureau of Reclamation project needs. 

The Oregon Water Resources Congress is a voluntary trade association of irrigation districts, water control districts, other special districts that deliver irrigation water, and others who work with and support its member districts.  OWRC provides advocacy on behalf of its members at the state and federal level for legislation and rulemaking.