Powder Valley Water Control District to Modernize Irrigation Infrastructure

North Powder, Ore., September 20, 2022 – Powder Valley Water Control District (PVWCD), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon, and Farmers Conservation Alliance propose to modernize aging infrastructure to address water loss, water delivery reliability, and operation inefficiencies in Powder Valley Water Control District. The proposed project is located in Union County and Baker County, Oregon.

By converting open-ditch irrigation canals into underground, closed-pipe systems or lining the District’s open canals, the proposed Powder Valley Water Control District Modernization Project could reduce conveyance and operational losses over the entire irrigation season and improve the District’s ability to efficiently provide water to its patrons.

The project is sponsored by Powder Valley Water Control District, with funding and technical support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon and Farmers Conservation Alliance.

Members of the public are invited to provide input to help guide planning efforts during a scoping meeting, October 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the North Powder Rural Fire Protection District, 710 E St., North Powder, Oregon 97867.

Participants at the meeting will have an opportunity to learn about the proposed improvements and submit their comments, ideas, and concerns.

Public comments may be submitted through October 25, 2022. Comments may be emailed to powdervalley.wcd.comments@gmail.com, submitted online at oregonwatershedplans.org, submitted via phone 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 PVWCD to apply for funding to construct system improvements through the NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention program, also referred to as PL-566. Through this program, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to states, local governments, and Tribes (project sponsors) to plan and implement authorized watershed project plans for the purpose of watershed protection, flood mitigation, water quality improvements, soil erosion reduction, rural, municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation, water management, sediment control, fish and wildlife enhancement, and hydropower.

For more information about this and other irrigation modernization projects in Oregon, visit oregonwatershedplans.org or the NRCS Oregon public notice webpage.