NRCS’ OGWRP Investments Moving Toward Implementation on Three Lower Systems
By: Audrey Rhodes, CBCD RCPP Program Manager
In early June, the excitement was electric as the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID), Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD), and the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Office of the Columbia River had the privilege of hosting United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Robert Bonnie for a tour of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP). Joined by a dynamic group of partners, elected officials, and landowners, Under Secretary Bonnie’s visit was a significant moment, highlighting USDA’s strong commitment to the OGWRP. His tour of the construction at the EL 86.4 public system was a high-energy showcase of progress in action.
With Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) investment in the OGWRP reaching a remarkable $49.4 million, the USDA has emerged as a key partner, accelerating efforts to bring the remaining phases of the OGWRP to fruition. CBCD and our partners have been successful in securing these funds by leveraging the State of Washington’s recent investments, nearly dollar for dollar. This momentum is bolstered by NRCS’ Small Watershed Program (PL-566), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and WaterSMART Program, and is further supported by over $240 million in investments from the State of Washington, Bureau of Reclamation, ECBID, and dedicated landowners over the last decade.
Photo Credit: EL 86.4 public system photo is by Nate Gallahan, NRCS-Washington. Under secretary Bonnie photo is by Mike Baden, WSCC.
The excitement continues to build as construction continues on the EL 86.4 public system, which is one of the three lower systems (EL 80.6, 84.7, and 86.4) that are now funded and moving forward..
Construction of the EL 86.4 on-farm buildout is set to begin as soon as the current cultural resources survey and consultations conclude, with water delivery slated for Spring 2025. EL 86.4 will convert 5,426 acres from deep well irrigation to Columbia River surface water. This shift will eliminate 16 wells and conserve a staggering 16,143 acre-feet (5.3 billion gallons) of water annually in the Odessa Subarea Aquifer.
CBCD applied for an additional 6 RCPP proposals in July 2024 for the EL 11.8 and 22.1, including $141 million in requests with $71.9 million in partner contributions. NRCS is scheduled to announce the awards in October. The potential awards and this upcoming legislative session will largely influence how CBCD focuses its efforts to help implement OGWRP over the next couple of years.
Photo Credit: EL 86.4 public system photo is by Nate Gallahan, NRCS-Washington. Under secretary Bonnie photo is by Mike Baden, WSCC.
Meet CBCD’s New RCPP Program Manager
Audrey Rhodes joined CBCD in May of this year to serve as our RCPP Program Manager. Audrey is a Moses Lake, WA native and aspires to contribute to the conservation of natural waterways, expansion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the promotion of soil health throughout the greater Columbia Basin area through strong landowner relationships.
