02.20.19

Hoeven: Bureau of Reclamation Advancing Lot Transfers for Jamestown Reservoir Homeowners

Senator Outlines Next Steps for Land Transfer Process at Roundtable with Jamestown, Stutsman County & BOR Officials

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today hosted a roundtable with Jamestown Reservoir homeowners as well as officials from Jamestown and Stutsman County to go over the transfer process for lots around the Jamestown Reservoir. In December, the President signed Hoeven’s legislation to permanently transfer Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) land around the reservoir to the Stutsman County Park Board and the North Dakota Game and Fish and allow homeowners the opportunity to purchase their lots.

“Right now the Bureau is drafting a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of federal land around the Jamestown Reservoir to state and local entities, from whom homeowners could then purchase their lots,” Hoeven said. “We’re working to make sure the transfer process proceeds quickly and smoothly. Our roundtable today is focused on connecting with local officials and providing homeowners with information to ensure we’re all on the same page.”

Hoeven introduced S. 2074, legislation to transfer lots at the Jamestown Reservoir, in November 2017 after working with homeowners and local officials in Jamestown. The senator advanced the legislation through the Senate in October and the House of Representatives in November, and the President signed Hoeven’s bill into law in December. Specifically, the law:

  • Permanently transfers federal lands around Jamestown Reservoir – including 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. 
  • Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale be used for administrative costs and deferred maintenance of the dam. The BOR would continue to maintain responsibility over the reservoir and dam. 

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