11.28.18

Hoeven Legislation Enabling Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots Headed to the President to be Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that his legislation enabling homeowners around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots has been approved by Congress and will now go to the President to be signed into law.

The Senate today approved both S.440 and S. 2074 as amended, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department and land around the Jamestown Reservoir to the Stutsman County Park Board. Homeowners will then have the opportunity to purchase their land from these local entities. 

“Homeowners at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir have made investments in their homes and lots, and they deserve the security of owning the land they live on,” said Hoeven. “This legislation is the result of a collaborative effort by the homeowner associations as well as local, state and federal officials in Dickinson and Jamestown. We look forward to the President signing these bills into law.” 

The Senate originally passed the legislation in October, however the House of Representatives amended the bills before passing them earlier this month, sending them back to the Senate for final approval. The Senate approved the legislation today, sending it to the President to be signed into law.

Patterson Lake Legislation

Hoeven introduced S.440, legislation to transfer lots at Patterson Lake in February 2017. Specifically, the legislation:

  • Transfers 41 cabin lots, and additional recreation and wildlife management lands, to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department. It also transfers a parcel of land, currently being leased, to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
  • Directs that proceeds exceeding the costs of preparing residential lots for sale 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. 

Jamestown Reservoir Legislation

After working with homeowners and local officials in Jamestown, Hoeven introduced S. 2074 in the Senate in November 2017. The Jamestown Reservoir legislation:

  • 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. 

The bills are cosponsored by Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 

-###-