Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has introduced the Urban Canal Modernization Act, a bill aimed at addressing repairs and rehabilitation for “urban canals of concern.” These are canals that run through urban areas and could cause significant property damage or potential loss of life if they were to fail. The legislation would allow the Bureau of Reclamation to authorize a 35% non-reimbursable cost share for these projects.
The New York Canal in Boise is among several western canals identified as needing repairs due to increased urban development around them. The bill has bipartisan support from Representatives 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.”
Rep. Fulcher added, “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.”
Rep. Newhouse commented, “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.”
Rep. Gray stated, “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 The bipartisan Urban Canal Modernization Act would rebuild crumbling, outdated water infrastructure in the Valley to bring us into the 21st century.”
The Idaho Water Resource Board also expressed support: “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.”
Paul Arrington from the Idaho Water Users Association highlighted changes caused by urban expansion: “Extensive urban growth around irrigation canals has created new challenges for water managers throughout the west… Thank you to Congressman Simpson for working with water users to provide opportunities for resources to help offset these significant costs.”
Bob Carter from Boise Project Board of Control explained how population growth has affected operations: “For over a century, the Boise Project Board of Control has operated the New York Canal… 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… is significantly higher – more than double in many instances… This legislation will provide additional tools… Thank you to Congressman Simpson for helping develop this solution that will benefit water users throughout Idaho and the west.”
Mike Simpson represents Idaho’s 2nd district in Congress—a position he has held since 1999 after succeeding Mike Crapo—and previously served in Idaho’s House from 1984 until 1998 (https://simpson.house.gov/about/). Born in Burley, Idaho in 1950, he now lives in Idaho Falls.
Simpson graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree earned in 1972.
The full text of the bill is available online.