September 18, 2008

Washington, DC—Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement today in response to House passage of H.R. 5293 – the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Water Settlement Act:

"I'm pleased that the House has passed the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Water Settlement Act.  The bill brings certainty to water rights in northern Nevada and southern Idaho, and resolves long-standing disputes between the Tribes and the United States.

"While there are parts of the bill that don't match perfectly with the Administration's wishes, I believe the continued conversations between the Department of the Interior, the Tribes, and congressional staff have brought the parties closer together so that there is much greater support for the legislation overall. 

"I hope that the Senate will soon take up and pass this legislation so that the Tribes, the State of Nevada, the individual water users along the East Fork of the river, and the United States can begin working together to develop the water rights while protecting our natural resources for all those who enjoy the Owyhee River."