LEAGUE ENGAGES WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES

LEAGUE ENGAGES WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES

This fall, League representatives were honored to accept invitations to patriciate in several community events and meetings informing Project stakeholders of the latest Project updates and League accomplishments.

Board member Stephen McFadden presented the outcomes of the League’s recently completed Stakeholder Voices Survey at the Lake Roosevelt Forum held in Spokane. For approximately the last twenty years, the non-partisan Forum has provided a place for dialog based on trust and respect of all views that seek to protect and preserve the quality of environment and enhance the quality of life related to Lake Roosevelt and the economies of the region. Stephen was part of a panel discussing Lake Roosevelt and Columbia Basin Project development.

Executive Director, Vicky Scharlau, presented at the Tri-City Regional Chamber’s Luncheon in Pasco where her featured keynote, “The Columbia Basin Project:  Irrigation isn’t just for farmers,” demonstrated how the Project’s value extends far beyond a farmer’s property line. Her keynote was well-received and audience members requested more information about how to get involved. The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business in the Tri-Cities. They promote regional prosperity and strengthen member businesses through advocacy, leadership, networking, and innovative business programs.

League Board member John Moody represented the League at the annual Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day (QFCAD) on September 14th at an information booth with displays and handouts about the Columbia Basin Project and the role of the League. Since 1981, QFCAD event has given the public a firsthand look at what agriculture is all about, specifically within the Columbia Basin. The event demonstrates where groceries come from while providing opportunities for the public to talk with the farmers who grow them for a living. The result has been an event that links consumers to the source of their food and firmly credits agriculture with the economic vitality of the area. John was delighted to show participants the Project’s history and talk about the importance of the Project to the communities and residents in not only the Columbia Basin but the entire state.

Finally, the League presented an update on Project development to long-standing supporters Lamb Weston. Board member Orman Johnson, along with Director of Government Relations, Mike Schwisow, and Assistant Director, Sara Higgins, and other staff visited Lamb Weston’s Kennewick headquarters to discuss Project updates, the state of federal and state legislatures relationships, as well as the recent amendments to the Renewal Master Water Service Contract (RMWSC) that was recently signed after three years of negotiations.

If you would like an update or presentation to your business or community group, email nicki@cbdl.org. The League is eager and willing to promote the Project’s benefits and hurdles to interested parties.



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