Risch, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Support Idaho Water

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) today introduced legislation to support aquifer recharge and water infrastructure in Idaho.

"Water is the lifeblood of what we do in Idaho, and the federal government should not be hampering the ability of local leaders to implement important aquifer recharge measures," said Risch. "My legislation will allow the Idaho Water Resources Board to carry out critical recharge work without having to jump through unnecessary, bureaucratic hoops."

"Water is one of our most precious resources in Idaho," said Crapo."Empowering the Idaho Water Resources Board with the tools they need to conduct aquifer recharge is essential to secure the long-term health and viability of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. This legislation will eliminate excessive federal red tape that is delaying implementation of these vital projects."

In 2020, Risch's Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act was signed into law to improve the ability of states to conduct aquifer recharge across federal lands and utilize federal facilities. The original legislation was intended to provide public entities, such as the Idaho Water Resources Board, greater ability to use agricultural canals for aquifer recharge without needing to obtain additional easement authorizations.

However, despite the consent of easement owners and clear flexibility provided in the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act, the Bureau of Land Management has interpreted that the law does not apply to the Idaho Water Resources Board, preventing this efficient form of recharge. The legislation introduced today is a technical fix to allow the Idaho Water Resources Board to proceed with this important recharge work.

Risch also introduced a bill to broaden infrastructure funding to apply to additional dams constructed under the Carey Act.

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