KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded an additional $5 million in drought relief funds to the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency this month, adding to the $15 million previously awarded. KPDRA will distribute the $20 million from Reclamation this year to Klamath Project irrigators in Oregon and California.
“This devastatingly dry year has been difficult for everyone," said Klamath Basin Area Office Acting Area Manager Jared Bottcher. “We are pleased to make additional funding available to KPDRA to provide immediate relief to communities hit hard by drought conditions. We will pursue additional drought support for Klamath Basin communities as we progress towards long-term solutions for the Klamath Basin."
Together, with previous Klamath Project drought relief, this addition makes a total of $20 million available to Klamath Project irrigators impacted by the unavailability of water supply during the 2021 irrigation season. The initial $15 million will be distributed on a per acre basis later this year.
The Department of the Interior is helping lead the Biden-Harris administration’s Drought Relief Interagency Working Group, which is marshaling existing resources and working in partnership with state, local, and Tribal governments to address the needs of communities suffering from drought-related impacts. The Administration’s commitment to addressing the drought crisis was reflected in the President’s FY22 budget proposal, which includes a $1.5 billion investment for the Bureau of Reclamation. This includes more than $54 million for Reclamation’s WaterSMART programs, which work cooperatively with states, Tribes, and local communities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply.
The $20 million from Reclamation is reinforced by $15 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, also awarded to the KPDRA. For application forms and other information on how to access drought relief programs call (541) 630-0752 or visit www.klamathwaterbank.com.
For more information on Reclamation’s drought response and updates to the Klamath Project’s operations, visit www.usbr.gov/drought and www.usbr.gov/mp/kbao.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
