Senator Ron Wyden says he hopes to have legislation in place by the end of October that will help ease water problems in the Klamath Basin.
Senator Wyden had high praise today for progress made by the Klamath River Basin Task Force…
“(they) Have written the textbook on how to build consensus in terms of natural resources.”
Wyden commissioned the task force in June to fine-tune the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement, or K.B.R.A., so it would appeal to a wider group at a cheaper cost…improving its chances of Congressional passage.
Klamath Tribal Chairman Don Gentry notes that some ways have been found to help cut those costs…
“So there’s been some opportunity identified to bring in some non-federal dollars to reduce the costs.”
Senator Wyden notes that, and other efforts could result in a 38% savings…
“Looking to reduce the cost of this perhaps to 250 to 300 million dollars over 10 years, instead of the original 800 million dollars.”
While a final plan isn’t likely to end all legal battles over water, the Governor’s Natural Resource Policy Advisor Richard Whitman says it will go a long way…
“We are looking for in effect a comprehensive resolution of the adjudication.”
Chairman Gentry notes the group is still working to hammer out ways to get cheaper power to farmers and ranchers…
“There’s progress that’s been made on the power issue, but there’s – legislation is necessary to move forward with that for the off-project.”
Wyden notes that balancing water needs for tribes, fish, and farmers has involved a lot of compromise…
“Nobody gets everything they believe they deserve. The question is, can all the parties get what they need.”
The Klamath River Basin Task Force has been given a little more time to complete their project.
They’re scheduled to meet again in Klamath Falls on October tenth.
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