Stayton, OR - (May 4, 2023) – Santiam Water Control District (SWCD 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, realigning sections of the current system,
and upgrading pumps and pump stations throughout the District. These measures would improve
the use and control over water throughout the District, improve management of drainage and
stormwater, and increase resiliency to drought.
The proposed project is regionally significant. The District diverts water for a myriad of
stakeholders throughout Marion County, including agriculture, the City of Stayton, the City of
Salem, and the Mill Creek Corporate Center. These are an essential part of the Willamette
Basin’s economy and depend on the District’s ability to deliver water effectively and efficiently.
In addition, SWCD also manages the drainage and stormwater for the City of Stayton.
Modernizing SWCD infrastructure would improve water conveyance efficiency, reduce
operations and maintenance costs, improve management of stormwater and drainage water, and
increase drought resilience for a diverse array of stakeholders throughout Marion County.
The project is sponsored by Santiam Water Control 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 May 31, 2023 6 p.m
Members of the public were invited to provide input to help guide planning efforts during a
scoping meeting held at the Turner Memorial Tabernacle – Pioneer Hall at 5605 Jubilee Dr SE, Turner, OR 97392.
Participants had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed infrastructure improvements and submit their comments, ideas, and concerns. A copy of the presentation and a map of the priority projects are available below.
Public comments may be submitted from May 4, 2023, through June 22, 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.