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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – U.S. Senator John Hoeven held an open forum along with the Stutsman County Park Board in Jamestown to discuss the recent legislation involving the Jamestown Reservoir.

The legislation would allow homeowners to purchase their lots from the federal government and transfer all remaining Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) lands around the reservoir to state and local public ownership. Senator Hoeven informed the group of around 50 that the bill came from discussion with homeowners and local officials over the past year.

Hoeven said he planned to combine the legislation with those of Lake Patterson near Dickinson and Lake Tschida near the Heart Butte Reservoir. His goal was to have it passed by the end of the year.

Furthermore, Hoeven’s planned legislation will make the 71 residential lots on the reservoir available for sale to homeowners for five years and permanently transfer all other federal lands in the area including two campgrounds, a park and unpurchased lots at no cost.

“Our legislation is about protecting residents’ investments in their homes around the Jamestown Reservoir and ensuring the future of this community,” said Senator Hoeven. “We appreciate all of the county officials, the park board members and the homeowners for coming together and working with us on this legislation. We look forward to advancing this bill through Congress and giving residents the opportunity to own the land on which they live.”