 | EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
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STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY
(THIS STATEMENT HAS BEEN COORDINATED BY OMB
WITH THE CONCERNED AGENCIES.)
October 18, 2000
(Senate)
S. 2508 - To Amend the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988
(Sen. Campbell (R) Colorado and 2 cosponsors)
The Administration supports S. 2508 as proposed to be modified by the manager's
amendment. The bill, as amended, would accomplish the important goal of
providing for a final settlement of the water rights claims of the Colorado Ute
Indian Tribes that complies with our environmental laws by authorizing a
scaled-down Animas-La Plata project in conjunction with a water acquisition
fund.
The Administration had noted concerns with S. 2508, as introduced, because it:
(1) contained objectionable language relating to compliance with the nation's
environmental laws, (2) did not adequately eliminate the extensive number of
Animas project features previously authorized but not currently contemplated,
and (3) shifted the risk of unforeseen construction cost increases to federal
taxpayers. The latest version of the bill as modified by the manager's
amendment satisfactorily addresses these concerns.
In addition, the Administration understands that Senator Feingold is proposing
to offer a floor amendment to S. 2508. The amendment would provide additional
safeguards concerning existing environmental laws, a more explicit
deauthorization of unplanned project features, additional safeguarding of the
proposed taxpayer investment in this project, and would update the project's
cost-sharing to reflect current Administration policy for fish and wildlife
mitigation and recreation costs.
The Administration would support the Feingold amendment, which is consistent
with the Administration's Animas proposal as outlined in the Interior
Department's July 2000 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and
subsequent Record of Decision. However, if the Feingold amendment does not
pass, the Administration supports S. 2508 as modified by the manager's
amendment.
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