Bill transferring reservoir land to counties advances in House committee

WASHINGTON — A bill sponsored by Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) to transfer control of Swanson and Red Willow Reservoir lands to local Nebraska counties advanced from the House Committee on Natural Resources with unanimous support Thursday.

The legislation, H.R. 8413, will transfer land from the Bureau of Reclamation to Hitchcock and Frontier Counties in southwest Nebraska.

"This is a significant legislative milestone for the people who enjoy and patronize these southwest Nebraska reservoirs and the communities who welcome them," Rep. Smith said. He credited collaboration with local officials and his colleagues in the House for advancing the bill. Smith emphasized that the legislation recognizes the importance of local stewardship over federal management.

Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR) also praised the bill, noting that returning responsibility to local land managers would allow the Bureau of Reclamation to focus on higher-priority projects. "Anytime we can take responsibility off of the federal government and return it to local control is a win for communities in Nebraska and beyond," Westerman stated.

The bill has gained bipartisan support, with Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE), Don Bacon (R-NE), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) among its cosponsors. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE).

The legislation stems from community dissatisfaction with the Bureau of Reclamation's management of concession areas at Swanson and Red Willow Reservoirs and previous changes at Harry Strunk Lake. All three reservoirs are popular recreational spots for residents and visitors in Southwest Nebraska.