Red Willow/Swanson bill heads to President

A long-time symbol of Red Willow Lake, the lighthouse is located in the residential area looking out over the water.

courtesy photo

WASHINGTON –Following weeks of floor speeches and maneuvering, the Senate passed legislation to transfer the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03), now heads to the President’s desk.

“In two months, the federal government will force Swanson and Red Willow Reservoir residents to leave, destroying the communities and small businesses these Nebraskans have built over the last 50 years. Thankfully, today Congress has agreed to right this wrong by transferring control of this land back to local officials. For the sake of the residents in both these communities, I encourage the president to sign this bill into law as soon as possible,” said Sen. Fischer.

“Today is an exciting day for Hitchcock and Frontier Counties. This bill protects Swanson and Red Willow residents and surrounding communities. I’m grateful for the months of diligent engagement from stakeholders that made this day possible. President Biden should sign this bill without delay,” said Sen. Ricketts.

“Years of extensive collaboration have culminated in the passage of this legislation which empowers local control and maintains public access at no cost to the federal government. Tourism and recreation at the Swanson and Red Willow Reservoirs are critical to economic development in Hitchcock and Frontier Counties. I have been grateful to work closely with Sen. Fischer and the entire Nebraska delegation to advance this solution on behalf of the local community, property owners, and visitors,” said Congressman Smith.

A combined group of county commissioners issued a joint statement thanking each member of the Nebraska delegation by name, adding, “On behalf of the commissioners for Hitchcock and Frontier counties and the whole community of Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs, we sincerely thank the U.S. Congress for acting to secure a future for their homes and businesses, which have been part of the community for generations, and preserving the great recreational area for public use.” said Hitchcock and Frontier Counties Boards of Commissioners.