The bill, which passed the House today by a vote of 399-17, will modify the operation of the lakes to include storage to improve tailwater trout fisheries on the White River.  The extra storage will be used to make releases during periods when hydropower is not being generated for the facility.  These releases will benefit the environment and encourage the growth of trout in the White River, which will encourage tourism and improve conditions for anglers.

The language designates a specific plan for implementation at Bull Shoals and Norfork and directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry it out.  Additionally, the new language is the product of years of work to fashion a compromise that will implement minimum flow at two of the five Corp-operated lakes and build a fish hatchery at Beaver Dam without forcing rate increases for electric customers who rely on hydropower produced at the dams. 

“Congressman Berry and I worked hard with all the interested parties in this matter to find common ground.  The language in this bill encourages tourism and improves the environment in the White River trout fishery while protecting the interest of our power customers,” said Boozman. 

“This is a great victory for the people of north-central Arkansas.  Increasing minimum flows on the White River will avert an environmental crisis, enhance wildlife habitat, and bring much needed tourism dollars into the region.  I am proud to have worked together with my colleague John Boozman and with the people of north-central Arkansas to authorize this worthwhile project,” said Berry.

The language authorizes the project, but does not provide funding for it at this time.  Still, the effort to authorize this project has gone on for years, so the inclusion of the language in the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for FY06 is a giant step closer to making the project a reality. 

Boozman and Berry also offered their thanks to their colleagues who helped promote a compromise including: Acting Majority Leader Roy Blunt (R-MO); Rep. Don Young (R-AK), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rep. David Hobson (R-OH), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development; Rep. John “Jimmy” Duncan (R-TN), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment; Rep. David Obey (D-WI), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee; and Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.

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