Capital Press Highlights Progress Made on Umatilla Basin Project
The Capital Press published an article by George Plaven last week highlighting the important work that has taken place regarding the development of water related infrastructure in the Umatilla Basin. The work will allow farmers to use water from the Columbia River instead of exclusively relying on ground water.
Senator Bill Hansell (R-Athena) released the following statement:
"This article reflects the hard work of several stakeholders in working together to find a solution. As someone who is part of a multi-generational farm family in Umatilla County, I understand how important water is for our agricultural industry and to the region's economy. In the 2015 Session, our office was successful in helping to pass House Bill 5030 to make the first two phases possible. I am proud to see the progress that has been made in using our region's natural resources for a sustainable future. We will continue to work on phase three to complete the entire project."
The article discussed how irrigation can increase annual crop yields by writing that, "dryland wheat, grown without irrigation, produces roughly $100 per acre. Add 3 acre-feet, and farms can grow just about any high-value crop, such as potatoes and onions, at full rotation, earning up to $5,000 per acre."
The full article can be read online by clicking here.
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