§2333 Irrigation Diversion Protection and Fisheries Enhancement Assistance

Summary

The Secretary may help non-Federal groups with technical planning, design, and site studies to make and test fish screens, fish passage devices, and other fixes that stop young and adult fish from getting into irrigation systems. These efforts must be done with Federal and State resource agencies and must not stop farmers or others from taking water for irrigation. Projects get priority if they help endangered species, are cost-effective, and are likely to cut fish deaths. Non-Federal partners must pay 50 percent of the cost. No more than 50 percent of that local share can be services, materials, or other in-kind help. No construction work is allowed under this authority. The Secretary must report to Congress within 2 years after August 17, 1999, on fish deaths from irrigation intakes, ways to reduce them, how much these methods are used in arid States, construction costs, and what Federal role, if any, is appropriate.