Infrastructure investment needed

 

Last updated 11/10/2016 at 2:23pm



The largest Reclamation project in the nation, still expanding after 70 years, must meet the needs of those who live, work, farm and recreate in the Columbia Basin. Reinvesting in Reclamation’s infrastructure was a common theme at a conference in Moses Lake held last week by the Columbia Basin Development League.

Jennifer Adam, PhD, is WSU’s Water Research Center assistant director for the state of Washington. She led a lineup of water and irrigation experts by forecasting Columbia River Basin supply and demand. She pinpointed climate change and economic drivers as key factors.

Lorri Lee, Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest regional director, shared the immense scale of resources needed to keep water delivery going by replacing aging infrastructure and to bring water to remaining (undeveloped) acres. Lee emphasized that the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program would not be where it is today without the collaborative efforts of public and private partners. She specifically applauded the three irrigation district managers whose daily focus is to champion landowner needs.

Staff from the East, South and Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation Districts, plus Clint Wertz of Reclamation’s Ephrata field office, shed light on the complex, multi-faceted systems that keep the Columbia Basin Project functioning. The operations and maintenance of project infrastructure from power plants and pump stations to canals and gates require hundreds of staff members with a wide array of expertise, from accountants and engineers to ditch riders and mechanics, working collectively to bring water to the Basin.

Ian Lyle, the League’s Washington, D.C. lobbyist, discussed the role of politics and the options for federal financing of infrastructure. Lyle highlighted traditional, new and proposed funding sources.

Tom Tebb, Ecology’s Office of the Columbia River director reviewed his organization’s work of the past 10 years, highlighting the success of the Odessa Subarea Aquifer project, which is a top priority. Tebb discussed the challenges of finding and keeping funding within the limitations of construction timelines, all while racing against a declining Odessa Aquifer.

Senator Judy Warnick was joined by Mike Schwisow, League Government Relations Director, and Nate Andreini of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District to discuss construction, state funding and bonds, as well as federal funding and financing of the Odessa program.

Gary Chandler, vice president of the Association of Washington Business, wrapped up the event by emphasizing the collaborative effort necessary to complete the Columbia Basin Project.

Since 1964, the League has supported the Columbia Basin Project and its future development by protecting its water rights and educating the public on the renewable resources and multiple-purpose benefits of the project.

 

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