WASHINGTON—Legislation headed to the president’s desk would allow the Dakotas, Wyoming and Colorado to share resources and help each other fight forest fires.
The bill passed the Senate on July 13 and was endorsed by the House Monday evening.
“This type of pact is particularly important when we consider the severe drought conditions that this region has been dealing with over the last six years,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the prime sponsor of the bill.
Legislatures in South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado have ratified the pact. North Dakota has yet to ratify it.
Thune said the bill’s co-sponsors included Sens. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.; Wayne Allard, R-Colo.; Ken Salazar, D-Colo.; Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and the late Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.
