February 17, 2023 11:10 a.m.

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have introduced legislation they say would support farmers and ranchers responding to severe drought and restoring fishing and wildlife habitat in the Klamath Basin.

Wyden said, “The farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin have weathered historic drought with significant federal investment and assistance, but the region is in desperate need of additional support”.  Wyden said, “While I’m gratified Senator Merkley and I brought resources for species recovery and habitat restoration to the region in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure the long-term viability of the Klamath Basin natural resources and economy”. Wyden said the legislation helps to provide long-term support for the community to ensure that farmers can make ends meet during drought years while also protecting and restoring endangered fish habitat for generations to come”.

Merkley, who serves as the Chairman of the Interior Subcommittee that funds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said after years of consecutive drought, farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin need a boost. Merkley said, “As efforts continue to implement the historic dam removal efforts in the Klamath Basin, our bill is critical to fulfilling commitments made to the farmers and ranchers on the Klamath Basin Project as part of the historic Klamath Basin Power and Facilities Agreement”.

The release said Wyden and Merkley’s Klamath Power and Facilities Agreement Support Act would help address the needs of these communities as they work together to realize long-term solutions.

More detailed information on the proposal is linked: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-introduce-bill-to-help-communities-in-the-klamath-basin-respond-to-severe-drought