The Water and Power Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee considered S. 789, the Tule River Tribe Water Development Act, at a hearing on Thursday.

Tule River Tribe Chairman Ryan Garfield testified in support of the bill. He said the tribe needs to determine how to supply water to the reservation.

"The tribe cannot and will not meet its water needs without constructing a reservoir," said Garfield, The Fresno Bee reported.

The bill authorizes the Interior Department to study of the reservoir. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor said the department needs more time to review an initial study of the project.

The House passed H.R.1945 on July 7.

Get the Story:
Tule River tribe pushes reservoir (The Fresno Bee 7/24)

Senate Hearing:
Water and Power Subcommittee Hearing: to receive testimony on S.637, S.789, S.1080 and S.1453 (July 23, 2009)

Related Stories:
House passes Tule River Tribe reservoir study bill (7/8)