Congressman Bentz Participates in the Natural Resources Committee’s Markup of His Bill Which Would Facilitate Expansion of the City of The Dalles’ Drinking Water Supply

Washington, D.C.— This week in the Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Cliff Bentz’s (R-OR) bill, The Dalles Watershed Development Act, was included in the full committee markup. This critical legislation, if enacted, would transfer 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land within The Dalles’ municipal watershed to city ownership.

Said Congressman Bentz: “On April 29, 2025, my bill H.R. 655, was included in the Federal Lands Subcommittee hearing marking the critical first step in the legislative process. The bill received support among the subcommittee as well as the acknowledgement of the United States Forest Service that a land transfer would greatly benefit the community. The bill has now moved to the second step which is today’s “markup”.  It was voted out of committee and will now move to the floor.  If passed across the floor, it will move to the Senate.”

The City of The Dalles has long relied on its municipal watershed for 80% of its annual water supply. Protecting this watershed is essential to maintaining water quality, meeting future demand, and ensuring public safety. This bill would allow the city to expand the size of its reservoir and allow much less red tape in taking action to protect city water infrastructure works and the city's watershed.

"The City of The Dalles has maintained a great working relationship with the Forest Service, but the need for expansion of the reservoir, on land owned by the federal government, would be unnecessarily burdened by lengthy federally required administrative reviews." said Congressman Bentz. "To afford to expand its water storage capacity, avoiding unnecessary costs is absolutely crucial.  This transfer of land would help avoid costs.  Water security is a top priority, and this legislation will provide the land needed to meet the city's future growth.”

Congressman Bentz will continue to work with the Natural Resources Committee, House Leadership, local leaders and federal agencies to advance this legislation.

Read the bill text, here.

Watch the hearing here.