Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming). Still image from 2015 State of Indian Nations / NCAI / YouTube

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill to address the backlog in maintenance and repairs in Indian Country irrigation projects.

S.438, the Irrigation Rehabilitation and Renovation for Indian Tribal Governments and Their Economies Act, or IRRIGATE Act, holds the federal government responsible for fixing the system. A Government Accountability Office from 2006 found a lack of focus on the issue at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The San Carlos Irrigation Project in Arizona. Photo from Bureau of Indian Affairs

“Over a century ago, the federal government made a promise to Indian Country to build and maintain Indian irrigation projects like the ones on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), the new chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said in a press release. “The reality is that hasn’t happened. These aging projects are in desperate need of repair and maintenance. Our bill follows through on our commitment to tribal communities by ensuring our irrigation projects are safe and efficient.”

The bill would provide $35 million a year from 2015 to 2036 to cover the costs of operations and maintenance. The amount, plus interest, would make a huge dent in the backlog at the BIA -- the GAO put the amount at $850 million in the 2006 report.

Get the Story:
U.S. Senate Bill would address aging Reservation Irrigation Projects (County 10 2/12)

Government Accountability Office Report -- Indian Irrigation Projects: Numerous Issues Need to Be Addressed to Improve Project Management and Financial Sustainability:
Abstract | Highlights  | Full Report | Text-Only

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