Reaffirmation of Federal ownership and responsibility

(a) Sole ownership and control (1) In general The Secretary shall retain full ownership, operational authority, and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel in perpetuity. (2) Administrative actions, agreements, or transfers No administrative action, agreement, or transfer shall alter, diminish, or delegate to any non-Federal entity, including the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District or the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project, the responsibilities and authorities described in paragraph (1) with respect to the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel. (3) Effect Nothing in this Act prevents the Secretary from retaining the authority to enter into agreements with, coordinate, or otherwise work with the head of any other Federal agency, including with respect to funding, planning, or implementation of activities authorized under this Act or any other Act. (b) Operation and maintenance obligations The Secretary shall be solely responsible for funding, operating, and maintaining the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel, including any repairs, modifications, or adaptive management strategies. (c) Prohibition of cost transfer No Federal agency may impose, mandate, or require the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District, the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project, or any other non-Federal entity to assume financial or operational responsibility for any aspect of the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel. (d) Relationship to the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District or the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project Nothing in this Act alters, amends, or otherwise affects the authorized purposes, water delivery obligations, or operational responsibilities of the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District or the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project.