NRCS’ OGWRP Investments Moving Toward Implementation On Three Lower Systems

By Audrey Rhodes, Columbia Basin Conservation District RCPP Program Manager

With USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) investment in the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) reaching $49.4 million, the USDA has emerged as a key partner, accelerating efforts to bring the remaining phases of the OGWRP to fruition. The Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD) and partners have been successful in securing these funds by leveraging the State of Washington’s recent investments, nearly dollar for dollar. This momentum is bolstered by NRCS’ Small Watershed Program (PL-566), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and WaterSMART Program, and is further supported by over $240 million in investments from the State of Washington, Bureau of Reclamation, East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID), and dedicated landowners over the last decade.

Construction at the EL 86.4 site (Courtesy of NRCS-Washington)

USDA Under Secretary Bonnie and the full tour group of partners, including CBDL, elected officials, and landowners, at the Lind Coulee Siphon earlier this year. (Courtesy of NRCS-Washington)

Most recently, construction continues on the EL 86.4 public system, which is one of the three lower OGWRP systems on East Low Canal (EL 80.6, 84.7, and 86.4) that are now funded and moving forward.

Construction of the EL 86.4 on-farm buildout is set to begin as soon as the current cultural resources survey and consultations conclude, with water delivery slated for Spring 2025. EL 86.4 will convert 5,426 acres from deep well irrigation to Columbia River surface water. This shift will eliminate 16 wells and conserve a staggering 16,143 acre-feet (5.3 billion gallons) of water annually in the Odessa Subarea Aquifer.

Harold Crose speaking to partners at the 86.4 site. (Courtesy of NRCS-Washington)

CBCD applied for an additional six RCPP proposals in July 2024 for the EL 11.8 and 22.1, including $141 million in requests with $71.9 million in partner contributions, CBDL among them. NRCS is scheduled to announce awards in October. These potential awards to OGWRP and this upcoming legislative session will largely influence efforts to continue implementing OGWRP over the next couple of years.

Read the article on CBDL's Voice of the Project Newsletter

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Meet Audrey Rhodes, CBCD’s New RCPP Program Manager

With the influx of RCPP funding for OGWRP in recent years, Audrey Rhodes joined CBCD in May of this year to serve as the RCPP Program Manager. Audrey is a Moses Lake, WA native and aspires to contribute to the conservation of natural waterways, expansion of sustainable agricultural practices, and the promotion of soil health throughout the greater Columbia Basin area through strong landowner relationships.