JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Senator John Hoeven met with Stutsman County officials and residents Tuesday to outline progress on legislation that would enable Jamestown Reservoir cabin owners to purchase their lots.

The Jamestown provision was included in a package of bills that will be added to the Senate’s Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

“Many homeowners on the Jamestown Reservoir have made improvements and investments in their homes and lots,” Hoeven said. “Our legislation is about providing security to these homeowners by enabling them to purchase their lots. The Jamestown legislation, which was approved by the Energy Committee in May, has now been included in a package of bills that we’re working to add to the Senate’s Water Resources Development Act. The Senate is considering WRDA in the coming weeks and I believe we can get the Jamestown provision passed in the Senate by Labor Day.”

Hoeven’s legislation transfers federal lands around the Jamestown Reservoir – including the 71 permitted exclusive use cabin lots, two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots – to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish at no cost. Homeowners would then be able purchase their lots from the Stutsman County Park Board.

Proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale would be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.