Klamath Falls, OR - (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.
Public Meeting
Members of the public were invited to provide input to help guide planning efforts during a scoping meeting:
February 7, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Merrill Civic Center, Walt Wilson Hall
363 W Front St
Merrill, OR
Participants had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed infrastructure improvements and submit their comments, ideas, and concerns. The presentation slides are at the bottom of this page.
Public comments may be submitted from January 23, 2023, through March 9, 2023. Comments may be submitted the following ways:
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.
For more information about this and other irrigation modernization projects in Oregon visit the NRCS Oregon public notice webpage.
For further information please contact:
Farmers Conservation Alliance
541-716-6085
Farmers Conservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which, as a contractor, is assisting NRCS and the sponsors in the Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment process.
Please note: Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Further information on the public involvement process can be found at the Council of Environmental Quality's Citizens Guide to NEPA.
Visit FCA for more information about irrigation modernization.