Klamath Irrigation District to Modernize Irrigation Infrastructure

Klamath Falls, Ore., January 23, 2023 - Klamath Irrigation District (K.I.D. or the District) proposes to modernize District irrigation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its system. The project would include piping and/or lining canals and laterals and installing automatic flow monitoring equipment. These measures would improve the use and control over water throughout the District and be more resilient to drought.

The proposed project is regionally significant as agriculture is an essential part of the Klamath Basin's economy. Agricultural production depends on the District's ability to deliver water effectively and efficiently, particularly during drought years when surface water allocation is scarce. Modernizing K.I.D. infrastructure would improve water conveyance efficiency, reduce operations and maintenance costs, and improve drought resilience for the local agricultural community.

The project is sponsored by Klamath Irrigation District, with funding and technical support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon. Farmers Conservation Alliance is assisting with the planning process as a contractor.

Members of the public are invited to provide input to help guide planning efforts during a scoping meeting on February 7, 2023 at 4 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Merrill Civic Center, Walt Wilson Hall at 363 W Front St, Merrill, OR. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed infrastructure improvements and submit their comments, ideas, and concerns. A recording of the meeting will be available afterwards at oregonwatershedplans.org.

Public comments may be submitted from January 23, 2023, through March 9, 2023. Comments may be emailed to [email protected], submitted online at oregonwatershedplans.org, left as a voice message at (541) 716-6085, or mailed to: Farmers Conservation Alliance, 102 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031.

Following the public scoping period, project partners will develop a Draft Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment. The public will have an opportunity to review the draft plan and provide additional input.

Once complete, the watershed plan will enable the District to apply for funding to construct infrastructure improvements through NRCS' Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention program, authorized by Public Law 83-566. Through this program, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to local organizations (project sponsors) for planning and carrying out watershed projects for the purpose of watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion and sediment control, water supply, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Additional information is available online at oregonwatershedplans.org or the NRCS Oregon public notices webpage.

Contact:
Lauren Bennett, NRCS Oregon
Public Affairs Officer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 503-414-3220

BJ Westlund, Farmers Conservation Alliance
Government Relations Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 541-716-6085