C Flume Groundbreaking Held in Klamath

Written by: Sarah McBride

Stakeholders for the C Flume pose for groundbreaking photoA groundbreaking ceremony for the C Canal Flume replacement project by the Klamath Irrigation District (KID) was held Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, in Klamath, Oregon. Speakers from KID, Bureau of Reclamation, Adkins Engineering and R&G Excavating were featured during the brief ceremony.

The C Flume being replaced is almost a century old, constructed in 1920 to replace a wooden structure from 1905 that was built to provide water to farm lands in the area. Over the past 90 years the current C Flume structure has served the area well, but it is certainly showing its age and currently requires much monitoring and care to ensure the safety of its continued mission. This is a chief reason why KID decided to construct a new C Flume, so that it can continue to provide water for 22,000 acres of rich agricultural lands. Construction has already begun and is expected to last approximately two years. KID entered into a contract for a loan from Reclamation for the C Flume, and after public negotiation sessions, terms were established for the repayment of the Reclamation loan. Reclamation is proud to be a part of helping the new C Flume become a reality.

Area Manager Jeff Nettleton, Klamath Basin Area Office, on his first day serving in this capacity, spoke at the ceremony. Nettleton spoke about his personal experience with concerns that agriculture producers may have when it comes to reliable water supply and the costs of doing business as he owns an irrigated farm in South Dakota. He also shared his thanks for the hard work that has been done by all to bring this project to fruition. This project will result in a new structure that will continue to safely perpetuate cultivation of the fertile lands in the Klamath Basin.

Published on October 04, 2016