Oregon's Klamath project receives 2024 water supply allocation; funding boost for drought resilience
Klamath Falls, Ore. (UI) — The Bureau of Reclamation unveiled the initial 2024 water supply allocations for the Klamath Project, alongside $8.5 million in immediate funding dedicated to bolstering drought resilience in Klamath Basin communities and an additional $5 million earmarked for tribes impacted by drought.
In collaboration with the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency, Reclamation secured $8.5 million for administering drought resiliency programs specifically targeted at project contractors facing reduced water allocations. This funding announcement coincides with an extra $5 million from separate sources, earmarked for technical assistance agreements with Klamath Basin Tribal Nations to support drought and ecosystem initiatives.
This development builds on the Department of the Interior's ongoing efforts to foster collaborative initiatives aimed at restoring the Klamath Basin ecosystem and enhancing water supply reliability for Klamath Project agriculture. Earlier this year, the Department forged a historic agreement with the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Klamath Water Users Association to advance collaborative efforts in this regard. Additionally, in February, over $72 million in new investments were announced, including funding from President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aimed at ecosystem restoration and agricultural infrastructure modernization.
Reclamation Regional Director Karl Stock acknowledged the favorable hydrological conditions for the 2024 water year compared to the previous year. However, he emphasized that Upper Klamath Lake inflows haven't sufficiently met all water demands despite this allocation. The collaboration with the Drought Response Agency to administer available funds aims to enhance the resilience of local communities facing limited water supplies. Real-time monitoring and forecasting data will inform updates to the allocation as conditions evolve.
The initial Klamath Project allocation for 2024 includes 230,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake, 35,000 acre-feet from Gerber Reservoir, and 35,000 to 40,000 acre-feet from Clear Lake Reservoir. This allocation considers observed winter and spring runoff, anticipated remaining inflows, and compliance with Endangered Species Act and other regulatory requirements.
While the Klamath Basin experienced normal precipitation over the winter and some limited flood operations in March and April, the effects of consecutive years of drought persist. The 2024 initial allocations are based on analysis of existing hydrologic conditions and forecasts from the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Reclamation will continue to monitor hydrology and inflow forecasts, adjusting allocations if conditions warrant.
Today's allocations align with management criteria outlined in the 2020 Interim Operations Plan and adhere to applicable federal laws.
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