Contact: Lexi Hamel
(208) 488-2115
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WASHINGTON— Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act. This legislation allows the Bureau of Reclamation to authorize a 35% non-reimbursable cost share to help repair and rehabilitate “urban canals of concern,” canals through urban areas that would cause significant property damage or possible loss of life if the canal were to fail. Many western canals, including the New York Canal in Boise, are considered urban canals of concern and need repairs.
The Urban Canal Modernization Act has bipartisan support from Reps. Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Adam Gray (D-CA).
“We must address urban canal repairs to protect Idahoans and Westerners’ way of life,” said Rep. Simpson. “The substantial urban growth around irrigation canals has created challenges and poses a threat to communities nearby. It’s well past time we act on these concerns. The Urban Canal Modernization Act does just that by maintaining safety, expanding accessibility, and providing additional tools to ensure these crucial repairs get completed.”
“Urban canals are vital to agricultural, irrigation, and the water needs of our communities. Yet much of this critical infrastructure—some of it more than a century old—is in urgent need of repair. The Urban Canals Modernization Act is a common-sense solution to help address these challenges and ensure our canals in Idaho and across the country get the updates they need. I am proud to be a primary co-sponsor,” said Rep. Fulcher.
“Urban canal maintenance is an issue across the country, but especially in Grant County, Washington. The Bureau of Reclamation’s canals are in dire need of repairs, and the surrounding communities who rely on them would be at risk if they were to fail. This legislation gives local authorities additional resources to manage these critical pieces of infrastructure while protecting the people and property around canals of concern. I strongly support this bill and thank Rep. Simpson for again leading this important effort,” saidRep. Newhouse.
“While California’s population has more than doubled since the mid-20th century, our water capacity hasn’t expanded to meet the needs of our communities. The federal government must invest in our existing water systems to reduce costs on water users and our farmers. The bipartisan Urban Canal Modernization Act would rebuild crumbling, outdated water infrastructure in the Valley to bring us into the 21st century,” said Rep Gray.
“The Idaho Water Resource Board applauds the introduction of the Urban Canal Modernization Act by Representative Mike Simpson to help provide more affordable funding for projects like the New York Canal in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. These repair projects in urbanized areas are much more expensive than repairing a canal in a rural setting, creating an unaffordable scenario for farmers responsible for maintaining canals through areas that have urbanized through no fault of themselves. If enacted, the Urban Canal Modernization Act would aid with accelerating necessary repairs in urban areas in advance of potentially dangerous failures,” said the Idaho Water Resource Board.
“Extensive urban growth around irrigation canals has created new challenges for water managers throughout the west. Whereas these canals historically crossed through farm fields and other open areas, they are now surrounded by housing developments, parks, schools, shopping centers, and other development. The increase in development has resulted in many such canals being designated as “urban canals of concern.” Importantly, the challenges, and associated significant increase in costs for maintenance, were not anticipated when the canals were constructed. Thank you to Congressman Simpson for working with water users to provide opportunities for resources to help offset these significant costs,” said Paul Arrington, Executive Director & General Council, Idaho Water Users Association.
“For over a century, the Boise Project Board of Control has operated the New York Canal, which is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. This canal is the primary artery for irrigation water delivery to over 160,000 acres in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. When the canal was constructed, it was out in the desert. Today the area around the canal has experienced significant, extensive population growth and development. In recent years, the Treasure Valley has a been among the nation’s fastest growing communities. Recognizing the challenges of this growth and encroachment on the canal, Reclamation has designated the New York Canal as an “urban canal of concern.” The cost of operating, maintaining, and upgrading our canal in this urban setting is significantly higher – more than double in many instances. Additional safety measures have become necessary because of this encroachment. This legislation will provide additional tools to the Boise Project as it works to provide safe, efficient delivery of water long into the future. Thank you to Congressman Simpson for helping develop this solution that will benefit water users throughout Idaho and the west,” said Bob Carter, Manager, Boise Project Board of Control.
The full text of the bill is available here.
About Mike Simpson
An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. His political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s second congressional district. Visit https://simpson.house.gov/ to learn more or find contact info.
