WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives once again passed the Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act. The bill was authored by Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) to deliver water to Prineville pave the way for clean energy at Bowman Dam in Crook County.
“This legislation will free up 5100 acre-feet of water that will take care of the City of Prineville for some time to come and allow them to take care of their citizens with city water,” Walden said.
Walden says the bill would create about 50 jobs over the course of two construction seasons.
The Bowman Dam is currently unable to be used for hydroelectricity because of a mistaken 1988 designation by the BLM as a “wild and scenic area.”
Because of that designation, congressional action must be taken to redesignate the dam.
Walden says that while the House has passed the Bowman Dam bill three years in a row, the Senate has yet to bring it up for a vote.
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
