WASHINGTON, D.C. (NewsDakota.com) – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced that the U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation to allow homeowners around the Jamestown Reservoir and Patterson Lake to buy the lots on which their homes sit.

The bipartisan bills would transfer lot ownership at Patterson Lake to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, lots along the Jamestown Reservoir would be transferred to the Stutsman County Park Board. After this process has completed, North Dakotans with homes on these lots would be able to purchase the land. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND).

“For many years, folks along Lake Paterson and the Jamestown Reservoir have wanted to purchase the lots on which they’ve built homes, spent time with their kids and grandkids, and made priceless memories,” said Heitkamp. “Alongside Senator Hoeven, we worked to make sure these North Dakotans can continue to enjoy the swimming, fishing, and boating these bodies of water provide. With these bipartisan, commonsense bills now moving through Congress, we’re allowing homeowners to invest in their properties, take real ownership of the land, and keep our state’s recreational opportunities affordable for all.”