Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act
House Bill Would Lock Federal Funding for Yellowstone River Fish Bypass, Shielding Local Irrigators From Costs
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
State Impacts
Milestones
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
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.
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.