2008 Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Study

Press staff report

Pioneer Press

Fort Jones , CA

January 16, 2008

page E7 column 1

pioneerp@sisqtel.net

The Bureau of Reclamation announces implementation of the 2008 Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Study (WSES).  The 2000 Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act authorizes Reclamation to study various aspects of water development and marketing in the Klamath Basin . Under this authority, Reclamation may acquire water in 2008 for use during the irrigation season to supplement agricultural water demands. The WSES consists of several programs, including "on and off" project water storage, dryland operation, ground water substitution options, and ground water pumping.

Reclamation is soliciting bids and applications from individuals, groups of individuals, partnerships, and companies for the dryland operation, ground water substitution options, and storage programs for the WSES.

Participation is open to all users of surface water above Keno Dam, including non-Project users, except lands above Harpold Dam, Federal lease lands, and lands under temporary surplus water contracts ("C lands"). Eligibility is limited to field units that have been  irrigated (surface or ground water) in at least one of the past 3 years (2005, 2006, or 2007).  Only complete field units of at least 20 contiguous acres are eligible.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Klamath Basin Area Office for details.  Starting on Monday, January 14, 2008 , applicants may make an appointment to discuss their particular operational situation prior to submittal of their final bid.  Completed and  signed applications and all documentation must be submitted for consideration to the Klamath Basin Area Office, 6600 Washburn Way , Klamath Falls , OR   97603 , by 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2008 .

For program information, application forms, or a sample contract, please visit Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office Web site at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/kbao

For additional information, please contact Ms. Jennifer Birri, Mr. Mike Neuman, or Ms. Melissa Neubert at 541-883-6935 or by e-mail at jbirri@mp.usbr.gov ,  mneuman@mp.usbr.gov , or mneubert@mp.usbr.gov .

(Permission to post from the publisher.)