Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2006

The Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2006 (H.R. 5079) proposes several federal investments and regulatory changes to improve water infrastructure and conservation across Oregon. The bill authorizes federal funding to help repair the Wallowa Lake Dam, supports ecosystem restoration projects in the Deschutes River Basin, and funds a feasibility study for the "Water for Irrigation, Streams and the Economy" (WISE) project in the Rogue River Valley. Additionally, it updates federal contracts to allow the North Unit Irrigation District to participate in state-authorized water conservation programs.

For Oregon residents, these measures are designed to enhance dam safety, protect local ecosystems, and ensure a more reliable water supply for both agricultural irrigation and municipal use. By providing federal matching funds for local projects, the bill aims to modernize aging water infrastructure and improve the efficiency of water management without the federal government taking ownership of the facilities. While the bill passed the House of Representatives in 2006, it did not advance through the Senate during that legislative session.