Today, United States Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, in a notable move, issued a joint statement addressing the pressing issue of water conditions in the Klamath Basin.
This statement followed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s recently announced water allocation for the Klamath Project as well as $8.5 million in relief aid for Klamath Basin Communities and $5 million in technical assistance for Klamath Basin Tribes impacted by prolonged water scarcity.
“We remain committed as ever to working together to ensure Klamath Basin communities have the resources they need to be successful. While the initial water allocation announced this year was less than expected, this immediate funding we secured and pushed the Biden administration to make available will go toward helping the region meet the challenges ahead.
“We are encouraged by the progress that Tribes and farmers in the basin have made in recent months, including the historic agreement between the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Klamath Water Users Association, as well as the infusion of $72 million in new federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the basin’s recovery.
“Driven by the momentum of the cooperation paired with the robust investments that we secured, we are encouraged by the new ways folks are coming together to modernize agricultural operations, restore ecosystems and productive farms, and save the C’waam and Koptu fish from extinction. All these collective efforts are certainly building toward more comprehensive solutions where everyone in the Klamath Basin moves forward together toward a more resilient future.”
“The Klamath Basin is blessed in many ways, including by our great representation in Congress,” stated KWUA Executive Director Paul Simmons. “Today, senators Merkley and Wyden issued a joint statement reaffirming their continued support and leadership.”
KWUA renews its steadfast commitment to the ongoing work towards stability and prosperity for all communities in the Basin.
Related
- Merkley, Wyden: Immideiat drought relief headed to the Klamath Basin, pushing for long-term recovery solutions (April 17, 2024)
- Reclamation announces 2024 initial Klamath Project water supply allocation and additional funding for drought resiliency, ecosystem enhancement (April 15, 2024)
- US Bureau of Reclamation 2024 Annual Operations Plan (April 2024)
- KWUA Expresses “Deep Disappointment” with 2024 Ag Water Announcement for the Klamath Project (April 15, 2024)
