Boise, Idaho
(208) 378-5020
(208) 378-5101
Released On: October 19, 2004
The $300,000 grant is from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Water 2025 Challenge Grant Award Program. It is being used to fund one portion of Medford Irrigation District's Larson Creek Project. Specifically with this grant, the District is replacing an open, antiquated dirt canal with 2,200 feet of 66-inch diameter pipeline.
"This innovative project was one of 19 selected by the Department of the Interior," noted Reclamation Commissioner Keys. "These grants support local, collaborative projects that will result in more efficient use of existing water supplies."
The pipeline will eliminate any direct connection between the irrigation infrastructure and Larson Creek. Larson Creek will benefit by being returned to a natural flow regime. In addition, the project will save 94 acre-feet of water per year which will stay in-stream and provide additional benefits for fish. One acre-foot is about 325,850 gallons, approximately the amount of water needed to supply a family of four with enough water for one year.
Pipeline construction is underway and is expected to be completed prior to the next irrigation season, according to the Medford Irrigation District.
The Water 2025 Challenge Grant Awards, administered by the Bureau of Reclamation, provide local irrigation districts throughout the West with matching funds to support a variety of projects to make more efficient use of existing water supplies through water conservation, efficiency and water market projects. The Challenge Grant program focuses on meeting the goals identified in Water 2025: Preventing Crises and Conflict in the West.