Hastings adds funds for Columbia Basin waterMoney to help solutions 'move forward'

COLUMBIA BASIN - Congressman Doc Hastings recently boosted federal funding for next year's Columbia Basin water supply.

Hastings added $400,000 for work on the Odessa Subaquifer. When combined with the funding in President George W. Bush's budget request, funding totals $1 million for Fiscal Year 2009.

Hastings also added $1 million for a supplemental feed route for Potholes Reservoir. The route is needed to ensure the supply of water to the southern part of the Columbia Basin Project. Increased conservation and efficiency upstream has reduced runoff into the reservoir which provides water to farmers in the South District.

Without a new feed route, Hastings stated, farmers in the district could have their water supply put at risk.

"This funding will help us move forward on solutions so that Columbia Basin farmers have access to the water they need," Hastings stated.

- Staff report