• Weber Coulee Siphon construction completed and ready for the 2012 irrigation season with East Columbia Basin Irrigation District and Bureau of Reclamation paying particular attention to how canal operations are impacted as these structures go operational
• Potholes Supplemental Feed Route major construction completed and attention focused on the Pinto Dam outlet gate rehabilitation, Crab Creek fish and wildlife channel improvements and right-of-way acquisitions. This project will be ready for the 2013 irrigation season 

During 2012, the pace of activities will quicken considerably. 

ODESSA: The Odessa Subarea Special Study (OSSS) Record of Decision occurs in the first quarter of 2012! The study started in 2005 to determine environmental impacts and benefit / cost feasibility of a Reclamation project. The study is required through the National Environmental Policy Act and mandated through the Office of Management and Budget "Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resource Implementation Studies" (P&G's).

The OSSS draft Environment Impact Statement (EIS) for three alternatives was published in late 2010 and lead to a fourth alternative.  The fourth and now, "preferred alternative", is a combination of two previous options that reduces costs and maximizes benefits by fully utilizing delivery capacity and storage.  Even with a Record of Decision, it still has to be adopted by the Commissioner of Reclamation, the Secretary of Interior and the Office of Management and Budget, before going to Congress.

IN OLYMPIA: The 2012 Washington Legislature faces significant budget reductions which limit new Capital Budget appropriations and create pressure on current appropriations. However, opportunities to create employment through public works projects are possible. 

IN WASHINGTON DC: While the Final EIS must go through a formal process, it is important that those in the review process appreciate consequences of "no action" and understand the commitment of League members to carry the proposed project forward.

YOUR INPUT: Construction of the various irrigation facilities of the size and scope identified in the OSSS "preferred alternative" is a complex undertaking and is even more so due to the fact that it is done within the constraints and requirements of a federal Reclamation project.  The League's role as a strong and unified stakeholder group will be necessary to convince decision makers to make this project a priority.  Competition for public works funds is intense. Our job is to:

• Solicit outreach opportunities to explain the "preferred alternative" and implementation process
• Help form a stakeholder implementation committee to develop a plan of action and funding alternatives after the Record of Decision
• Encourage the process of applying for Secondary Permits necessary to hydrate the "preferred alternative"
• Encourage discussions on a new repayment or water service contract for the "preferred alternative" service area
• Develop a Washington DC advocacy plan and build funding sources
• Secure endorsements from city and county governments and other stakeholders 

CBDL GOALS:

* Protect, and grow, the economic base of the Columbia Basin

* Provide/promote private/public partnerships to facilitate continuation of Columbia Basin Project

* Protect the existing portion of the Columbia Basin Project