Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 15, 2011

CONTACT:  Hannah Loy 202-225-2315

Gosar Legislation to Ensure the Long-Term Management of C.C. Cragin Dam Project Advances to the House Floor

H.R. 489 passes out of Natural Resources Committee unanimously

Today, the first piece of legislation Congressman Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-01) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 489, passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously.  It will next be considered by the full United States House of Representatives. 

“This legislation is a common-sense solution to the bureaucratic wrangling that has occurred between the Department of Interior and Agriculture that compromises routine maintenance of critical water infrastructure in my district,” Congressman Gosar said.  “I commend my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for acknowledging the importance of this legislation; the strong bipartisan support it garnered in committee makes me optimistic it will be fast-tracked and passed by the full U.S. House of Representatives.” 

The C.C. Cragin project spans across federally owned land in the Coconino and Tonto National Forests and is a vital part of the Salt River Project (SRP) Federal Reclamation Project.  The C.C. Cragin Dam plays an essential role in providing water for the City of Phoenix and Gila County.  Towns like Payson and other neighboring communities rely on this pipeline to supply municipal drinking water to the community.

H.R. 489 is a common-sense solution that eliminates government red tape and provides a clear approval process for the Salt River Project (SRP) to maintain the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir Project.  Specifically, the bill grants the Department of Interior exclusive jurisdiction to manage the project and grants the Department of Agriculture administrative jurisdiction over land management activities that do not conflict or adversely affect the operation, maintenance, or replacement/repair of the project.  This bill fixes that problem.

The language in Rep. Gosar’s legislation is consistent with the general practice on other Bureau of Reclamation owned projects located on public lands across the country.  In addition, it is important to note that this bill upholds all existing environmental laws and has no cost to the taxpayer.

On May 12^th, the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power held a hearing on the legislation. During the hearing, Payson Mayor Kenny Evans, SRP Associate General Manager John Sullivan, and representatives from both the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Forest Service all testified that H.R. 489 is vital to the long-term management of C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir Project, and would bring about the necessary economic certainty for the Town of Payson and other impacted communities.  More information on the issue and the May 12^th legislative hearing can be found here.

H.R. 489 has strong bi-partisan support across the State of Arizona.  In addition, Senator John McCain, with the support of Senator Jon Kyl has introduced companion legislation, S. 201.

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