WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) today announced that his request for significant funding for the Klamath Basin has been included in the annual Energy and Water Appropriations bill (HR 2754), which is expected to be voted on by the House as early as next week. Included in the bill is $2.6 million in refunds to reimburse farmers and ranchers who were required by law to pay for the operation and maintenance of the irrigation system in the Klamath Project in 2001 despite receiving virtually no water as a result of a decision by the federal government. Walden introduced and President Bush signed into law last year the legislation that paved the way for the allocation of funds for the reimbursements.

"Securing the funding for these reimbursements for Klamath irrigators who were denied irrigation water in 2001 is the culmination of a long struggle I’ve waged to help restore fairness to the Basin after the federal government’s disastrous water shut-off," said Walden. "As I’ve always said, you shouldn’t have to pay for something you don’t receive, and that’s exactly what the law required of Klamath Basin irrigators who paid for the operation and maintenance of the canals despite receiving almost no water in 2001. This is great news for the farmers and ranchers of the Basin, and I am proud to have led the effort in Congress to secure these reimbursements on their behalf."

The funding for the operation and maintenance reimbursements was included in a larger sum of $25.4 million in federal funding for the Klamath Basin in the annual Energy and Water Appropriations bill, the majority of which will go toward the operation of the Klamath Project. This figure represents an increase of $8.9 million over last year’s funding level of $16.5 million for the Klamath Project. Walden requested the increase to $25 million for the Project earlier this year. The House responded favorably to Walden’s increased funding request with a higher-than-expected figure of $26.9 million, while the Senate provided $20.8 million. After negotiations to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions, the final figure for the Project was $25.4 million. Walden requested the increase to further many projects that will enhance water quantity and quality for the benefit of all interests in the Basin.

Walden continued, "In light of the compelling findings in the recent final National Research Council report, including the confirmation that the 2001 water shut-off was scientifically unjustified, there are a number of projects that have long been identified that would benefit farmers, fish and the local economy. This increased funding will provide significant assistance to keep a number of sound projects moving. It’s a real win-win, and I’m pleased that the final funding level for the Klamath Project deferred to the higher House figure."

In previous years funding allocated to the Project has been used to fund the construction of the "A" canal fish screen and for funding the general operations and maintenance of the Project.

Once the final version of the Energy and Water bill has passed the House of Representatives, it must then be considered by the U.S. Senate before being sent to the President for his signature. After the appropriations bill has become law, the federal government will begin allocating the federal funds provided by the measure. Following the bill’s signing by the President, Walden will work diligently to expedite the delivery of reimbursements to Klamath Basin irrigators.

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes the 20 counties of central, southern and eastern Oregon. He is a Deputy Whip and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Resources.