BOISE, Idaho- The Bureau of Reclamation successfully transferred ownership of federal water facilities to the Greater Wenatchee and Kennewick irrigation districts. These transfers are a first for the State of Washington under the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9).
“I am very proud to see the conveyance of these two federal title transfers to the Washington irrigation districts as a direct result of the 2019 Dingell Act," said Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton. “The 2019 title transfer process has given Reclamation a new tool that benefits both water users and the federal government," added Touton.
The Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District is located in central Washington in the Columbia River Valley. The title transfer covers all federally owned facilities within the water conveyance and distribution system and includes approximately 82 acres necessary for the district to permanently provide irrigation water to its patrons. The transfer includes all improvements and appurtenances to the federally owned facilities and lands, including but not limited to buildings, pumps, diversions, control structures, fixture, improvements, drains, laterals, pipelines, waste ways, wells, ponds, and roads.
Construction of the GWID was authorized May 5, 1958. The United States holds title to irrigation facilities serving district water users and other lands and rights supporting operations. On Jan. 1, 1972, operations and maintenance responsibilities were transferred to the district, and most of the relevant project construction costs, in accordance with its existing construction contract, have been repaid.
“We look forward to the future benefits that title transfer will provide the Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District and appreciate Reclamation’s support to make this opportunity possible," said Craig Gyselinck, Greater Wenatchee Irrigation District secretary/manager.
The Kennewick Irrigation District title transfer covers the federally owned transferred works facilities within the water conveyance and distribution system, which includes approximately 100 miles of canals and appurtenant works, a 46-acre parcel, and 971 acres of easements. On July 22, 1953, operation and maintenance responsibilities were transferred to KID. The district has repaid a majority of the relevant project construction costs in accordance with its existing contracts.
“The benefits of title transfer to Kennewick Irrigation District and our local community will be substantial because it gives KID the flexibility needed to engage our community on the best use of our infrastructure, including the potential for linear parks and walking paths," said Gene Huffman, Kennewick Irrigation District board president. “KID thanks Rep. Dan Newhouse, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Yakama Nation, and Reclamation for their commitment to this project," added Huffman.
Learn more about Reclamation’s title transfer program at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/title/index.html.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
