Rogue River Valley Irrigation District to Modernize Irrigation Infrastructure Public Scoping Meeting July 18, 2023

Medford, OR - (June 29, 2023) – Rogue River Valley Irrigation District (RRVID or the District) proposes to modernize District irrigation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its system. Agricultural production in the District depends on RRVID’s ability to deliver water effectively and efficiently, particularly during drought years when surface water allocation is scarce.

By converting open-ditch irrigation canals into underground pipe systems or lining the District’s open canals, the proposed project could reduce conveyance and operational losses over the irrigation season and improve the District’s ability to efficiently provide water to its patrons. The project is sponsored by RRVID, with funding and technical support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture 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 July 18, 2023 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Rogue Community College – Table Rock Campus Room 184 – 7800 Pacific Ave, White City, OR, 97503. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed infrastructure improvements and submit their comments, ideas, and concerns. Meeting slides and handouts will be available afterwards at oregonwatershedplans.org.

Public comments may be submitted from June 29, 2023 through August 15, 2023. Comments may be emailed to rrvid.comments@gmail.com, submitted online at oregonwatershedplans.org, left as a voice message at (541) 716-6085, or mailed to: Farmers Conservation Alliance, Attn: RRVID Scoping, 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 the 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
Lauren.Bennett2@usda.gov
503-414-3220

BJ Westlund, Farmers Conservation Alliance
Government Relations Manager
BJ.Westlund@fcasolutions.org
541-716-6085