Columbia Basin projects get federal stimulus funds

Farm and Ranch April 17, 2009 The Bureau of Reclamation announced this week that federal stimulus funding is being provided for two water projects of vital interest to the Washington potato industry. Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission says one project in the Columbia Basin is 50 million dollars for the Weber Siphon Complex. Voigt: "This is essentially a siphon going from side of the Interstate under I-90 to the other to be able to increase water flow. This is going to be critical in order for us to get more water out to the Odessa area where they have a declining aquifer." Another five million dollars in stimulus funding will be for the Potholes Supplemental Feed Route. Voigt: "And what this does is essentially frees up capacity in one of the canals and water will actually run down Crab Creek down into Moses Lake, Potholes and eventually get down to the South District of the Columbia Basin Project. So, both of these projects are very exciting for us and we are very grateful we were part of this stimulus package." The Bureau of Reclamation worked through a rigorous merit-based process to identify investments that met the criteria put forth in the Recovery Act: namely, that the project addresses the Department's highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.