News Release Archive

Reclamation Accepts Applications for 2009 Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Study

Media Contact: Lynnette Wirth, (916) 978-5100, lwirth@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: January 15, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office announces implementation of the 2009 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 or the agency's designated agent may acquire water in 2009 for use during the irrigation season to supplement agricultural water.  Reclamation is currently soliciting bids for the ground-water substitution options and storage programs for the WSES; the dryland operation program for the 2009 irrigation season will not be part of this year's implementation.

For ground-water substitution options, Reclamation is accepting applications from individuals, groups of individuals, partnerships, and companies willing to alternate between surface water irrigation and ground-water irrigation during the 2009 irrigation season at Reclamation's specific request.  Payment will be based on the documented quantity of ground water pumped. 

For water storage, Reclamation is accepting applications from participants willing to store at least 1,500 acre-feet of water.  If selected, each participant will then be responsible for pumping the water back into the Klamath Project's system at Reclamation's specific request, which will occur no later than June 30, 2009.  In addition, the participant would be responsible for all pumping and storage costs.  Payment will be based on the documented quantity of water pumped from the enrolled field units.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Klamath Basin Area Office for details.  Starting on Thursday, January 15, 2009, 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 12, 2009. 

Program information, application forms, and a sample contract are available on the 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 , mneuman@usbr.gov, or mneubert@mp.usbr.gov.  

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.