Klamath Water Users and Bureau of Reclamation Agree to New Programs Funds

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – 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.

Klamath Water Users Press Release