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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

House Bill Would Lock Federal Funding for Yellowstone River Fish Bypass, Shielding Local Irrigators From Costs

Also known as: Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Farmer Rancher
Helps

State Impacts

MontanaMT
Mixed

The fish bypass channel and Intake Diversion Dam are near Intake, Montana, and the irrigation project serves eastern Montana. The bill keeps operation and costs federal, which can protect local irrigators from new fees while supporting ongoing fish passage work in the Yellowstone River. It also gives the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana exclusive jurisdiction for disputes.

North DakotaND
neutral

The irrigation project is described as providing irrigation water to agricultural land in western North Dakota, and the bill directs coordination with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The main financial responsibility stays federal; the bill does not create new state costs in the text.

Key Points

  • Keeps the fish bypass channel near Intake, Montana fully owned, run, and paid for by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Reclamation—permanently.
  • Blocks any federal agency from shifting repair, operation, or monitoring costs to the local irrigation district or other non-federal groups.
  • Aims to protect endangered pallid sturgeon and other native fish by ensuring the bypass channel stays working over the long term.
  • Authorizes $1,000,000 each year starting in 2026 for upkeep, repairs, upgrades, and adjustments as river conditions change.
  • Lets affected groups go to federal court in Montana if the federal government tries to transfer responsibility away from the Bureau of Reclamation.
EnvironmentAgricultureInfrastructure

Milestones

3 milestones4 actions
Feb 4, 2026House

Subcommittee Hearings Held

Jan 28, 2026House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Dec 10, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Dec 10, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

When the bill is enacted

If the bill becomes law, the Interior Department must keep full ownership, control, and financial responsibility for the fish bypass channel.

Local irrigation entities can’t be told they now own, run, or pay for the fish channel; federal management becomes the default rule going forward.

Soon after enactment, as Interior reviews existing agreements

Any prior agreements that tried to shift fish bypass channel responsibilities to non-federal entities are treated as void, and inconsistent provisions must be terminated.

If there were cost-share clauses or side agreements pointing costs at the irrigation district, those would have to be unwound, lowering local financial exposure.

Every 2 years after enactment

Interior submits a report to House and Senate committees every two years on channel condition, upcoming repairs, costs, and coordination.

The public and local stakeholders may see clearer updates about how well the channel is working and what fixes are planned, which can reduce surprises.

Related News

2 articles
The Roundup·3 months ago

Downing, Daines Introduce Bill To Support Irrigation, Protect Montana Endangered Species

Reports on the Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act, emphasizing federal ownership/operations of the Intake-area fish bypass channel and shielding local irrigators from cost shifts.

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The Roundup·about 1 month ago

Your Support Is Crucial

Mentions the bill’s goal of keeping Bureau of Reclamation fully responsible for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel near Intake and describes the project’s importance to irrigators and fish passage.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act

Bill NumberHR 6568
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionSubcommittee Hearings Held

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.