Tribes agree to Klamath project extension

As support for the project continues to languish in Congress, the Klamath Tribes are among the first signatories of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement to agree to extend certain deadlines for completion.

From a news release:

On December 17, 2012 the Klamath Tribes, by referendum vote of 508 in favor and 77 oppose, reaffirmed their commitment to the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA) by directing the Klamath Tribal Chairman to sign the First Amendment to the KBRA.

The amendments extend the time for passage of federal legislation, resolve tribal funding matters and clarify the federal partnership between the Tribes and United States envisioned under the KBRA. In addition the amendments clarify various provisions and update schedules for a number of actions in the KBRA.

“I am very pleased that our membership voted in support of the amendments. Though we still have much to do to pass legislation in Congress, the KBRA and its sister agreement the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement provide the greatest opportunity to restore our tribal fisheries and achieve the goals of the Klamath Tribes” said Vice-chairman Don Gentry.

“The KBRA amendment process itself is a reminder that the KBRA is an effective, flexible, adaptive and efficient tool to address Klamath Basin water matters and an example of how things are working under the KBRA” said Councilman and lead negotiator, Jeff Mitchell. “We look forward to working with our partners and members of Congress in forging a path forward to resolve the Klamath Basin water issues and implement the KBRA and KHSA.”

The amendments will become effective when they are approved by all the parties that signed the KBRA.

Watch for my update on the Klamath project at CapitalPress.com in the coming days.