https://www.kwua.org/klamath-water-users-and-bureau-of-reclamation-agree-to-new-programs-funds/
Klamath Water Users and Bureau of Reclamation Agree to
New Programs Funds, $33M and $17M
"The DRA, which operates a voluntary program to assist
with chronic water shortage for irrigation in the
Klamath Project, would receive $33 million over the next
few years to supplement that program with new,
longer-term measures...'We
expect the program will include three-to-five-year
contracts with producers for voluntary land idling, but
with the ability to rotate the idled land in an
operation,'...Reclamation also intends to allocate an
additional $17 million of IRA funds for programs that it
would pursue. These potential permanent reductions of
water demand for land not in commercial agricultural
production..."
KWUA 1/17/25
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Yesterday, Klamath Water Users
Association and the Klamath Project
Drought Response Agency (DRA) signed a memorandum of
understanding with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation) for an allocation of funding under Public
Law 117-169, also known as the Inflation Reduction Act
of 2022 (IRA).
The DRA, which operates a voluntary program to assist with chronic water shortage for irrigation in the Klamath Project, would receive $33 million over the next few years to supplement that program with new, longer-term measures. “We are resolute in our commitment to improve our water supply situation, and we are optimistic that can occur,” said KWUA President Tracey Liskey. “While we are getting there, we will continue to do all we can to provide security for producers and our communities.
Under the MOU, the DRA and Reclamation agree to complete more detailed contracts establishing new programs for producers that will be operated by the DRA.
“We expect the program will include three-to-five-year contracts with producers for voluntary land idling, but with the ability to rotate the idled land in an operation,” said DRA President Marc Staunton. “We will also offer incentives for modified practices like fall planting of grain, that would reduce and shift water demand.”
Mr. Staunton echoed Mr. Liskey’s sentiments about the need for these programs. “Our approach addresses the ongoing challenges posed by the unmitigated effects of the Endangered Species Act. We aim to utilize IRA funding to support family farms in the Klamath Basin, ensuring their sustainability in production agriculture through programs that prioritize farming over water sales.”
DRA and Reclamation have also agreed to a program where irrigation districts could earn funds for the benefit of producers by altering operations to benefit wildlife and wildlife refuges. “This allows us to exploit win-win opportunities without negative impacts on irrigators,” said Mr. Staunton.
Both Mr. Liskey and Mr. Staunton expressed appreciation to Reclamation’s leadership for responding to a need. “We are very grateful to Commissioner Touton and her team for bringing this to fruition,” said Mr. Staunton.
Reclamation also intends to allocate an additional $17 million of IRA funds for programs that it would pursue. These potential permanent reductions of water demand for land not in commercial agricultural production, and work toward modifying infrastructure to improve fish passage.
About Klamath Water Users Association on (KWUA)
Since 1953, the KWUA is a 501(c)(4) non-profit
corporation representing the interests of Klamath
Project farmers and ranchers. KWUA members include rural
and suburban irrigation districts, public agencies, and
private individuals who operate on both sides of the
California/Oregon border. These entities and individuals
typically hold water delivery contracts with the U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation. The Project is home to over 1,200
family farms and ranches; KWUA’s member districts
deliver irrigation water to over 170,000 acres of some
of the mostly productive farmland in the United States.
KWUA’s mission is to preserve and enhance the viability of irrigated agriculture for our membership in the Klamath Basin for the benefit of current and future generations.
KWUA is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors representing Project districts. The Association employs an Executive Director and staff to execute policy decisions.
About Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (DRA)
The DRA is a local government agency formed by irrigation and drainage districts, each of whom is additionally a member of KWUA. As an intergovernmental agency under Oregon law and a joint powers agency under California law, the DRA can perform functions that its individual members can perform. Formed in 2018, the DRA develops and administers programs to address insufficient irrigation water supplies for land in the Klamath Project.