HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCCBarbara Vasquez
From: Sara Higgins <sara@501consultants.com>
Sent-, Monday, May 10, 2021 8:32 AM
To: Sara Higgins
Subject: RE: CBDL--Request for 2nd Letter of Support
Attachments: CBDL Template Murray Support Letter 2021.05.03.docx; CBDL Template CMR Support
Letter 2021.05.07.docx
Importance: High
Thank you to those who have already sent a support letter for our OGWRP congressionally directed spending
request to Senator Murray.
If you intend to, but have not yet, please be reminded that we will need letters by close of business this
Thursday, 5113. A template is attached.
Also, we have confirmed an opportunity to submit the same request to Representative Cathy McMorris
Rodgers, and a support letter for that request would also be greatly appreciated by the end of the week
(although we can extend this deadline, if needed). A template is attached.
I apologize for the piecemeal approach. With each office, we are first determining likelihood and process
before proceeding, and each office is a little bit different. Representatives Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers
and Senator Murray will be the three total offices to which we submit a request.
Sara Higgins
Deputy Director I Columbia Basin Development League
saraC@.cbd LoLg
509.782.9442 1509.782.1203 (fax)
203 Mission Avenue, Suite 1071 PO Box 745, Cashmere, WA 98815
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Since 1964, we have served as the voice of the Columbia Basin Project — advocating for completion and sustainable
maintenance. You can help. Join the League todgy.
From: Sara Higgins
Sent: Tuesday., May 4, 202110:32 AM
To: Sara Higgins <sara@cbdi.org>
Subject: CBDL--Request for 2nd Letter of Support
Importance: High
1
Columbia Basin Project Stakeholder:
First, allow me to thank those who were able to provide a letter of support for our recent request for U.S.
House Community Project Funding for the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program. We did have to
revise our request down to $2 million from an original $18.5 million in light of limited funding and to improve
our chances of success, but our request was selected by Representative Newhouse and advanced to the
Energy and Water Subcommittee for consideration! The timeline for the sub -committee's decision-making
process is a bit unclear, but we will keep you informed.
$2 million still provides for substantial efforts toward 30% design, the completion level required to provide
landowners with the information necessary to determine participation. The request also includes $200,000 to
continue automation of East Low Canal (ELC) gravity head gates to adjust for fluctuations resulting from
operation of new pump plant diversions. The automated gates will create consistent lateral flows regardless of
canal fluctuations, reducing waste and labor and result in water conservation and safe operations.
Now, we turn our attention to our next effort: Senate Congressionally Directed Spending
request. The U.S. Senate has developed a process similar to that of the House. Like the House, the Senate
Congressionally Directed Spending process includes a strict series of criteria to be followed, and a form must
be submitted, in this case, Senator Murray --who may select a limited number of projects for consideration in
this new process.
The League will submit to Senator Murray the same request we submitted to Representative Newhouse in our
revision.
OGWRP is an environmental and economic rescue program focused on replacing deep well irrigation (from a
depleting aquifer) with Columbia Basin Project water. The widening of East Low Canal has already been
completed for OGWRP, and now multiple water delivery systems are in various stages of design and
construction. This funding will initiate critical work that can be completed during FY22.
Senator Murray asked that requests include letters of support from stakeholders. Would your
organization provide a letter of support?
We request receipt of letters by Thursday, May 13 so that we may upload them by May 14.
Please let me know if you are able to offer your support. Attached is a template you may choose to use.
Thank you, again, for your support!
Sara Higgins
Deputy Director I Columbia Basin Development League
sara a@cbdl.org
509.782.9442 1509.782.1203 (fax)
203 Mission Avenue, Suite 1071 PO Box 745, Cashmere, WA 98815
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Since 1964, we have served as the voice of the Columbia Basin Project — advocating for completion and sustainable
maintenance. You can help. Join the League today.