The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill aimed at strengthening the long-term water supply for the City of The Dalles, marking a significant step in a years-long effort to modernize the community’s water infrastructure. The legislation, H.R. 655, known as the City of The Dalles Watershed Development Act, was sponsored by Congressman Cliff Bentz and passed the House on December 9. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The intent of the bill is to transfer 150 acres of U.S. Forest Service land to the City of The Dalles. This acreage lies within the city’s municipal watershed, an area that currently provides about 80 percent of its annual water supply. Consolidating land ownership is seen as essential to future reservoir expansion, watershed protection, and improved system management. City officials have warned for years that without additional water storage capacity the community may face long-term supply constraints as demand continues to grow.
The proposed land transfer would give the city full control over the area surrounding Crow Creek Dam and Reservoir, allowing planners to move forward with engineering work, updated resource management plans, and future construction associated with increased storage capacity. Supporters argue that the change would also streamline oversight by removing the jurisdictional complexities that currently exist between the city and the U.S. Forest Service.
Congressman Bentz has repeatedly emphasized the importance of securing dependable water access for communities in his district. He has described the measure as a foundational step toward ensuring The Dalles can meet future water needs as its population and commercial sectors expand. For the city, which serves roughly 16,000 residents, long-term planning for water availability has become increasingly urgent as regional growth, climate variability, and infrastructure demands converge.
Local leaders have also voiced strong support for the legislation. The Dalles Mayor Richard Mays has noted that the community relies heavily on this watershed for drinking water and that consolidating ownership would improve the city’s ability to safeguard water quality and modernize system operations. Wasco County officials have expressed similar views, framing the bill as a practical investment in the region’s economic stability and environmental stewardship.
The measure has been reviewed by the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees matters related to public lands, water resources, and federal land management. Its approval by the full House signals bipartisan acknowledgment of the challenges facing rural and mid-sized communities that depend on aging or capacity-limited water systems. Many of these communities are looking for ways to increase storage, diversify supply, and strengthen resilience amid changing environmental conditions.
If enacted, H.R. 655 would authorize the formal transfer of federal land to municipal ownership, enabling the city to begin long-term watershed development work without the administrative delays associated with joint jurisdiction. This includes planning for reservoir expansion, maintenance of existing infrastructure, and improved forest and watershed management practices intended to reduce wildfire risks and protect water quality. The legislation does not allocate new funding for construction but provides the legal framework necessary for the city to pursue future development, grants, and partnerships.
For The Dalles, the bill represents more than a technical land adjustment. It is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the city remains equipped to serve its residents, support local businesses, and accommodate future growth. With population pressures and water supply challenges affecting communities across the Pacific Northwest, local officials view the legislation as a proactive move to avoid shortages and strengthen the region’s economic outlook.
The Senate is expected to take up the bill in the coming months. If approved and later signed by the President, the City of The Dalles would assume ownership of the 150-acre parcel and proceed with its long-term water management plans.