Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed
Bureau of Reclamation awarding nearly $300,000 to Crooked River Water Quality Partnership
Federal funds were recently awarded to enhance water quality in the Lower Crooked River Watershed.
Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden recently announced the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is awarding $299,973 to the Crooked River Water Quality Partnership, in collaboration with the Deschutes River Conservancy, through its WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program.
The Crooked River Water Quality Partnership consists of the Crook County Soil and Water District, Crooked River Watershed Council, Ochoco Irrigation District, Deschutes River Conservancy, Crook County, city of Prineville, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Trout Unlimited, Portland General Electric and state and federal agencies.
The federal funding will be used to formalize the Partnership, identify priority projects and develop project designs to reduce nutrient pollution in the Lower Crooked River Watershed, which is intended to enhance water quality to better meet the diverse needs of the region.
“A reliable, quality water supply is vital for Oregon’s communities, Tribes, farmers and ranchers and for many iconic wildlife species to thrive,” Merkley said. “This WaterSMART funding will cement a new, diverse partnership in Central Oregon and fuel projects that lead to improved water quality for the wide array of folks who rely on the Lower Crook River Watershed.”
Wyden added that improved water quality and dependability for Oregonians plus protections for the Lower Crooked River Watershed add up to a winning equation for Central Oregon.
“I’m gratified the teamwork with local, state and federal partners to protect and enhance this natural treasure has earned this investment that will generate gains that ripple out for Tribes, farmers and ranchers,” he said.
Deschutes River Conservancy Program Director Jim Bond said he is very grateful to the Bureau of Reclamation for the grant award, and he is excited to help support and strengthen the collaborative partnerships working on water quality concerns in the lower Crooked River.
“The Crooked River is an integral component to the overall health and function of the Deschutes River Basin and an important tributary for culturally significant species like spring Chinook and summer steelhead – high priorities for our Tribal partners,” he continued. “This significant funding could not come at a better time and marks an important step toward restoring the lower Crooked and supporting the wildlife and communities that depend on it.”
In total, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an $8.9 million investment for 18 WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program cooperative projects across the country. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these projects are targeted to protect watershed health and build more resilient water supplies across the West by bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop solutions that meet local water management needs.
In addition, Merkley and Wyden are also champions of the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act. This legislation would reauthorize the Deschutes River Conservancy’s eligibility to receive federal funding for water quality and conservation projects — efforts they say are critical to the restoration of wildlife and reducing agricultural runoff in Central Oregon rivers.
