The San Carlos Irrigation Project in Arizona. Photo from Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing next week on S.438, the Irrigation Rehabilitation and Renovation for Indian Tribal Governments and Their Economies Act. The bill, known as the IRRIGATE Act, authorizes $35 million a year from 2015 to 2036 to cover the costs of operations and maintenance at irrigation projects in Indian Country. The amount, plus interest, would make a huge dent in the backlog at the Bureau of Indian Affairs -- Government Accountability Office report from 2006 put the backlog at $850 million. The hearing will take place Wednesday, March 4. A witness list hasn't been posted online. Committee Notice:
Legislative Hearing on S. 438, the IRRIGATE Act (March 4, 2015) 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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