12.17.18

President Signs Hoeven’s Legislation Enabling Homeowners Around Patterson Lake & Jamestown Reservoir to Purchase Lots

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced that the President has signed into law S. 440 and S. 2074, legislation that Hoeven authored to enable homeowners around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir to purchase their lots. Congress passed Hoeven’s amended legislation last month.

“Now that our legislation has been signed into law, the land around Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir will be transferred to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department and the Stutsman County Park Board respectively,” Hoeven said. “Individuals with homes at Patterson Lake and the Jamestown Reservoir will be able to purchase their lots, which is an important opportunity for them to secure the property that they have developed. We appreciate all who worked with us to advance our legislation including the local homeowner associations and state, local and federal officials.”

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. 

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