Hood River, OR - (June 1, 2021) - The Farmers Irrigation District and project partners propose to modernize irrigation infrastructure to increase water conservation, water conveyance, and operation efficiency in District owned-infrastructure.
By converting open-ditch irrigation canals into underground, closed-pipe systems, and improving other infrastructure, the proposed Farmers Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project could reduce seepage losses and improve the District’s ability to efficiently provide water to its patrons. The proposed project is located in Hood River County, Oregon.
Read more about the proposed project below under Project Documents.
The project is sponsored by the Farmers Irrigation District, with funding and technical support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon.
Public Scoping Meeting June 16, 2021
Members of the public were invited to provide input to help guide planning efforts during a virtual scoping meeting on June 16, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Due to COVID-19 public event restrictions, the meeting was held virtually using Zoom. Participants had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed irrigation improvements and submit their comments, ideas, and concerns. A recording of the meeting is available here.
Public scoping comments may be submitted from June 1, 2021 through July 15, 2021.
Comments may be submitted via the following ways:
1) Email: farmers.id.comments@gmail.com
2) Online at this form
3) By phone at (541) 716-6085
4) Mail to:
Farmers Conservation Alliance
102 State St
Hood River, OR 97031
Next Steps
Following the public scoping period, project partners will develop a Draft Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment. The public will have an opportunity to review the draft plan and provide additional input.
Once complete, the watershed plan will enable the District to apply for funding to construct irrigation improvements through the NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention program, authorized by Public Law 83-566. Through this program, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to local organizations (project sponsors) for planning and carrying out watershed projects that help solve natural resource and related economic problems in a specific watershed. These issues can include watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion and sediment control, water supply, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, and wetlands creation.
For more information about Farmers Irrigation District, please visit their website.
For further information please contact:
Farmers Conservation Alliance
541-716-6085
Farmers Conservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which, as a federal contractor, is assisting NRCS and the sponsors in the Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment process.
Please note: Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Further information on the public involvement process can be found at the Council of Environmental Quality's Citizens Guide to NEPA.
Click on a file to download.
Visit FCA for more information about irrigation modernization.