OGWRP VISITED BY USDA UNDER SECRETARY FOR FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation visited the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program (OGWRP) on June 6, 2024. The Under Secretary toured public irrigation systems under construction, the EL 47.5 Pumping Plant and the first East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID) pumping station. Funding for OGWRP is provided under USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) authorized by P.L. 566 with the intent of replacing groundwater with water from the Columbia Basin Project. The Under Secretary visit highlights federal support of accelerating OGWRP which builds upon the investments made by Washington State, Reclamation, ECBID, and local producers.