News Release Archive

Event To Mark Successful Water Project In The Methow Basin

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Gregg Knott, gknott@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: April 11, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation will join cooperative partners during a special event on April 29 marking the completion of a water conservation project that is designed to enhance both water deliveries and improve natural streamflow for endangered fish in the Methow River Valley of Washington.

The event is set for 2:00 p.m. at the Methow Valley Irrigation District East Canal headgate on Evans Road adjacent to Okanogan County's Intercity Airport, opposite North Cascades Smokejumper Base.

Guest speakers representing NOAA Fisheries, State of Washington, the Bonneville Power Administration, Methow Valley Irrigation District, and local government will join Reclamation at the event to inaugurate the completion of a new fish screen facility that is part of the Methow Valley Irrigation District Rehabilitation Project.

"This project is an excellent example of how positive results can come from working in cooperation for people and the environment," said Bill McDonald, Reclamation Regional Director.

MVID and its cooperative partners took action in 2002 to address serious problems related to antiquated fish screens on two canals and developed a three phase Canal Rehabilitation Plan.

The fish screen replacement, part of Phase 1, has been completed. Phase 2 and Phase 3 will be completed during 2006 and 2007. Canal renovation can be accomplished in stages as funding permits.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.