Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2000

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to develop and implement projects for fish screens, fish passage devices, and related features agreed to by non-Federal interests, relevant Federal agencies, and affected States to mitigate adverse impacts to fisheries resulting from the construction and operation of water diversions by local governmental entities in the States of Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, and California. Provides for priority to be given to any project that has a total cost of less than $2.5 million. States that the goals of the program shall be to decrease: (1) the incidence of fish entering water supply systems; and (2) fish mortality associated with the withdrawal of water for irrigation and other purposes without impairing the continued withdrawal of water for such purpose. Provides for the evaluation and prioritization of projects to be conducted based on: (1) assisting entities in their compliance with the Endangered Species Act; (2) cost effectiveness; (3) size of diversion; (4) the availability of other funding sources; and (5) the opportunity for biological benefit to be achieved with improved conditions. Makes a project ineligible for funding unless: (1) it meets the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Mari…

Congressional Research Service · 1999-11-09