SB1069 will help find solutions

By the East Oregonian
Guest editorial

March 07, 2008

Here in the West, folks used to go to war over fences. Now, even whole states are eyeing the water resources of more fortunate neighbors, although none have yet contemplated the possibility of war.

Oregon has not escaped the bitter and heated debate surrounding the allocation of water resources. Consider the anguish of farmers in the Klamath Basin who have seen their crops fail when they are cut off from historic sources of this valuable commodity.

Fortunately, here in Umatilla County and Morrow County , the debate has been decidedly more civil and, as a result, a coalition has been built in our area that has become the envy of regions not fortunate enough to enjoy such a high level of collaboration.

During its short session, the Oregon Legislature considered Senate Bill 1069, the Agriculture and Community Water Act.

The bill provides $750,000 for a feasibility study on a plan to draw water from the Columbia during winter months and then store it in depleted underground aquifers for use in irrigating 57,000 acres of farmland during the summer. It was also amended to provide $1.75 million in grants across the state for innovative water storage and conservation projects that are matched dollar-for-dollar by local private investment.

According to the Oregon House of Representatives Web site, SB1069 passed the House with 56 yes votes and four members absent from a total of 60 members.

Earlier in the day, it passed unanimously in the Senate.

Sen. David Nelson, R-Pendleton, and Rep. Bob Jenson, R-Pendleton, deserve praise for their part in helping usher this critical bill through the special session.

During the short session, supporters encouraged the Legislature to invest in water supply development in Eastern Oregon in the same way they invest in projects like major transportation solutions on the west side.

Speaking on the subject earlier this week, The Oregonian described "a remarkable coalition of ranchers, farmers, civic leaders, the Tribes, and environmentalists who ... hatched this signal proposal and have managed to spur statewide support."

For the East Oregonian, the strength of that coalition was manifested in a meeting with Antone Minthorn, chairman of the board of trustees of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation; Rick George, program director, CTUIR Department of Environmental Planning/Rights Protection; Dennis Doherty, chair of the Umatilla County Commission; and Mike Wick, manager of the Westland Irrigation District who came together to enthusiastically outline the possibilities inherent in SB1069 and the progress that has been made because so many diverse groups have landed on the same page.

There were many other individuals and agencies on board including both the Port of Morrow and the Morrow County Court .

After passage of SB1069 in the closing hours of the Legislative session, the bill now goes to the governor's desk for signing. On multiple occasions, Gov. Kulongoski has made it clear that he strongly favors environmentally-friendly practices and solutions.

Here's a magnificent opportunity for the governor to help assure that his philosophy becomes practice.

It's also a great chance for him to reward an area that has instituted innovative solutions and has forged dynamic partnerships as a model for all of Oregon .

This state desperately needs to catch up with its neighbors when it comes to developing long-term strategies for resolving water challenges.

It was almost as if the Legislature had been handed that chance on a silver platter. Now it's up to the governor to finalize the deal.

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