TL/DR –
The U.S. Department of the Interior is investing $37.4 million in three projects in Central Oregon, aimed at improving drought resiliency by converting open irrigation canals into pipelines. The projects, funded under the Inflation Reduction Act, are expected to conserve around 5,000 acre-feet of water annually in the Ochoco, Central Oregon, and Tumalo irrigation districts. The announcement follows the dismissal of a five-year legal challenge by Tumalo neighbors, reaffirming the irrigation districts’ right to implement major changes within their property easements.
US Interior Department Proposes Drought Resiliency Projects in Central Oregon
The U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled a $37.4 million investment on Friday as part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative. The funds aim to bolster drought resiliency through the piping of Central Oregon irrigation canals.
The investment marks a significant stride in climate change mitigation, financed via the Inflation Reduction Act. The aim is to conserve nearly 5,000 acre-feet of water annually in the Ochoco, Central Oregon, and Tumalo irrigation districts by transforming open canals into pipelines, which reduces water evaporation and seepage while enhancing water transportation efficiency.
“We have historic resources to invest in innovative water conservation solutions that make Western communities more resilient to drought and climate change,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Michael Brain. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner, Camille Calimlim Touton, added, “These investments will help build drought resiliency in Oregon and improve efficiency in water delivery systems.”
President Biden’s Investing in America agenda contributes to an all-government effort to make Western communities resilient to climate change and address the ongoing megadrought across the region. The Inflation Reduction Act includes $550 million for domestic water supply projects and $4 billion for water management and conservation efforts in drought-stricken zones such as the Colorado River Basin.
Reclamation has announced $3.2 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for 223 drought mitigation projects, 39 domestic water supply projects, seven emergency relief projects for tribal communities, and four canal improvement projects.
Proposed projects for this funding include:
- An $8 million Ochoco Irrigation District project to convert over 8 miles of open canal to buried pipes for water conservation in the Crooked River.
- A $21 million Central Oregon Irrigation District project to convert over 2 miles of open canal to large-diameter pipe to conserve Deschutes River water for irrigation and to support winter flows for the threatened Oregon Spotted Frog.
- An $8.4 million Tumalo Irrigation District project to convert over 10 miles of open canal to buried pipe and construct 82 turnouts to improve water conservation, delivery, habitat, and water quality for redband trout and the Oregon Spotted Frog.
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