S. 3189, The Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Improvement Act of 2008

• This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.

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S. 3189 would amend Public Law 106-392 to require the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration and the Commissioner of Reclamation to maintain sufficient revenues in the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund.

Detailed Summary

Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends federal law providing funding to continue endangered fish recovery implementation programs for the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins by modifying the definition of: (1) "capital projects" to include rehabilitation and repair of facilities; and (2) "facilities" to include those for protection of critical habitat and for preventing entrainment of fish in water diversions.

Increases funding and extends the authorization period to fund recovery programs.

Authorizes the provision of base funding through loans from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund if the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration and the Commissioner of Reclamation jointly determine that funds in the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund may be insufficient to meet obligations.

Authorizes the Administrator, subject to an agreement entered into with the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Commissioner, to repay any such loan from power revenues collected after September 30, 2019. Requires: (1) the agreement and each loan contract to include provisions designed to minimize impacts on electrical power rates and to ensure that loan repayment to the Board is treated as nonreimbursable; and (2) repayment of any such loan by September 30, 2057.

Directs the Administrator and the Commissioner, if the Administrator is unable to obtain a loan from the Board, to report to Congress describing the projected base funding shortfall.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 9/16/2008: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 1005.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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