Support

 

> Click here to sign up online to become a member!  (or click here for pdf form)    

With the Record of Decision on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Washington State Department of Ecology Odessa Subarea Special Study final environmental impact statement (ROD) signed by Reclamation’s PNW Regional Director, Lorri Lee, implementation can begin on the preferred development alternative within the study, ultimately replacing ground water from a declining aquifer with surface water delivery to 70,000 acres both north and south of I-90. 

It comes as no surprise that there is little or no Federal funding for this project, so now, securing State funding and determining local financing are among the next steps in the process of implementation.  Meanwhile, and in addition, 10,000 acres will also receive surface water replacement as part of the Lake Roosevelt Incremental Storage Releases program. But, a complex series of prioritized Reclamation, Ecology, and East Columbia Basin Irrigation District criteria and procedures must be followed in order to get water to a qualified landowner.  This means that communications and outreach to elected officials, land owners, and others are critical and significant undertakings within the process. 

The League is aiding in the communications and outreach effort.  But a continued, sustained effort requires support from stakeholders like you.

 

Our job at the state level is to:
  • Maintain the Office of Columbia River operating and capital appropriation level

                -$32 million to begin work on expansion of East Low Canal
  • Identify projects that qualify for potential public works construction loan programs
  • Provide briefings and engage Legislators, budget committee members and caucus leadership

 

At the federal level, our job will be to continue with outreach efforts by briefing key members of Congress, their staff, as well as key committee staff. As we learned at the 2012 CBDL annual conference, local financing is a complex and  lengthy process. After an initial phase of research and analysis, land owners may be invited to a series of meetings to inform and gauge interest.

The League’s role will be to help support this undertaking by: 
  • Soliciting opportunities to explain the “preferred alternative” and implementation of process
  • Helping develop a plan of action and funding alternatives
  • Encouraging the process of applying for Secondary Permits necessary to hydrate the “preferred alternative”
  • Encouraging discussions on a new repayment or water service contract for the “preferred alternative” service area
  • Securing endorsements from city and county government and other stakeholders

Today, with 65% of the total Columbia Basin Project developed, the Project’s national economic impact is $5.8 billion.  Property tax value of irrigated land is significantly higher compared to dry land, and the assessed value of permanent crops grown only on irrigated land is between $5,000 and $10,000.  These are big, impactful numbers.  And, they are worthy of safeguarding and growing.

Your membership is an investment in the economic vitality of the Columbia Basin. Please consider renewing or joining today.