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Desert Terminal Lakes Program

The Desert Terminal Lakes Program began with Public Law 107-171, enacted 5/13/02. The legislation provided $200 million to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation “to provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes” but prohibited leasing or purchasing water rights. The funds are available until expended and Reclamation has the authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements.

Public Law 108-7, enacted 2/20/03, specified that funding was to be used to provide water and assistance only for Pyramid, Summit, and Walker lakes in the state of Nevada. The legislation also earmarked $3 million as follows:

Public Law 108-137, enacted 12/01/03, earmarked an additional $3,903,000, as follows:

Public Law 109-103, enacted 11/19/05, earmarked an additional $95 million, as follows:

Public Law 110-161, enacted 12/26/07, earmarked an additional $68.25 million, as follows:

See the Desert Terminal Lakes Program Legislation page for the complete text of the five public laws referenced above