Get things right; the money’s not for idling land   

Klamath Falls Herald and News

Letter to the Editor

June 10, 2010

   It is my belief that the money available for the land-idling program administered by Klamath Water and Power Agency (KWAPA) is being incorrectly spent.

   On May 13, I attended the board meeting for Klamath Irrigation District and learned that initially only lands inside the Project that have “A” water rights will receive water.

   Lands that have “B” water rights are not to receive water unless announced at a later date. KWAPA spent most of its available funds idling lands that have B water rights; lands that by contract agreements are not to receive water during drought years.

   At the district meeting, it was mentioned that, due to KWAPA’s land-idling program, some water savings is recognized, but it was unsure how much A land had been idled.  

   In talking to Hollie Cannon, manager for KWAPA, about A and B water rights, he said “I hate the A and B designations. We treated all lands inside the Project the same.”

   He also said all landowners inside the Project were given a chance to submit a proposal to KWAPA and the lowest cost proposals, based upon their determinations, were awarded the money until it was gone.

   In essence, A lands were made to compete with B lands that are not to receive water during the drought years.

   KWAPA, you got it wrong.

   If you really want to save water, go to the people who actually have the rights to the water during drought years and make them a legitimate offer.

   If KWAPA wants to compensate B landowners, that is fine, but don’t refer to it as lands being idled to save water,   for it is nothing but compensation due to drought.

   Jerry Barrett

   Merrill