JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The transfer of all Jamestown Reservoir land owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has officially been transferred to Stutsman County.

A signing ceremony was held Tuesday with Senator John Hoeven and representatives of the Bureau of Reclamation, North Dakota Legislature, and Stutsman County Commission. The county can now resell the land where the cabins are located to the owners of the cabins.

Owners previously leased the land where the cabins were located from the Bureau of Reclamation with lease fees being paid to the county for maintenance of the area.

Hoeven thanked everyone’s support in getting the job done.

He added that they are currently working on potential funding to improve the spillway as they continue to work on the reservoir.

Stutsman County Commissioner Ramone Gumke thanked the Senator for his presence in the legislature to get the bill put together and legislation passed over the past two years.

Representative Craig Headland added a thanks for all the support from each organization.

Darin Peterson, President of the Jamestown Reservoir Cabin Association, says this has been the culmination of more than 20 years of work.

Peterson added the opportunity to own the homes provides long-term assurance to the owners who are committed to working and living in the community of Jamestown.

Brent Esplin, Regional Director for Missouri Basin Region for Reclamation, says getting this legislation done and signed is an example of governance working.

The president signed the senator’s bill into law in 2018. Following this, Hoeven organized discussions to ensure clear communication between BOR, local officials and the homeowners to keep the process moving forward. The BOR will maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam.