WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, Rep. Tom Osborne (NE-03) joined the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 4750, which authorizes a federal study of water use in the Republican River Basin. 

“I introduced this legislation because Nebraskans need a comprehensive study to evaluate reliability, storage and management issues affecting the Republican River’s water supply,” said Rep. Osborne.  “When the Republican River Settlement was signed, the states agreed to pursue a federal study of the basin in order to provide a framework to better manage the river’s resources. Passage of this bill brings the study one step closer to helping those who rely on the Republican River.”

On January 26, 2006, Rep. Osborne met with Rep. Jerry Moran of Kansas and Attorneys General Bruning and Kline to discuss compliance with the Republican River Compact. Following his meeting with these Nebraska and Kansas officials, Reps. Osborne and Moran agreed to introduce legislation to authorize a federal systems operation study of the Republican River Basin between Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and Milford Lake in Kansas. H.R. 4750 now awaits passage by the Senate.

“The health of the Republican River is critical to Nebraskans and Kansans alike, and I was pleased to work with my colleague Rep. Moran on the passage of this important legislation,” added Rep. Osborne. 

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