Idaho’s Jim Risch is celebrating after the Senate cleared bipartisan legislation he said will help farmers by repairing aging irrigation canals surrounded by growing cities.
The Urban Canal Modernization Act, co-sponsored by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, would allow federal Bureau of Reclamation infrastructure funds to be used for major repairs on urban-adjacent canals facing costly maintenance challenges.
“There is no question that Idahoans care deeply about our public lands and water systems,” Risch said. “The responsible, commonsense bills passed out of committee will help maintain our public lands, prevent critical water infrastructure from falling into disrepair, and mitigate wildfire risk. I urge the Senate to pass them quickly so these treasured resources can continue serving Idahoans for generations to come.”
Making Badly Needed Repairs
Supporters say the measure would improve water delivery reliability, reduce the risk of canal failures, and protect agricultural economies that depend on irrigation.
The legislation highlights Idaho’s New York Canal and Oregon’s A Canal in the Klamath Basin as examples of aging systems that serve both farms and growing communities.
“The A Canal in the Klamath Basin was first constructed in 1906 and, like many of the canals running through our cities and towns, is aging and requires ongoing maintenance for all who rely on it,” said Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill unlocks federal grant dollars to help make badly needed repairs to these aging infrastructure projects and ensure that they can continue to serve our agricultural economy and communities for years to come.”
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