90 water permits granted by state in Grant County
Lynne Lynch/Columbia Basin Herald<br> Leaked water from irrigation canals in the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project is being used in the issuance of new water permits. The pictured West Canal above Ephrata is among the project's canals.
COLUMBIA BASIN — Starting in mid-April, a number of businesses and irrigators in Grant County will receive roughly 9.8 billion gallons of water as a result of 90 new water permits.
The permits’ issuer, the state Department of Ecology (DOE), is touting the development as economic stimulus for Eastern Washington because of the expected added business.
Vineyards, dairies, food processing plants, data centers, housing developments, golf courses, resorts and a Grant County PUD fish hatchery are among the groups that applied for the water.
The nearby cities of Quincy, Ephrata, Moses Lake and Warden are expected to see more businesses, said Dan Partridge, a DOE water resources program communications manager.
The groups had been in line for water permits, with some as far back as 1996 and others as recently as two weeks to three weeks ago, he added.
The agency hasn’t issued this many water permits since the 1960s, Partridge explained.
“There’s been a huge statewide back log in issuing water rights,” stated Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake. “I’m pleased the department (of ecology) is addressing those needs at this critical time. Farmers and communities desperately need sustainable water sources for future economic growth.”
The DOE and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation agreed to use artificially-stored groundwater from canals within the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project.
The water leaked into the ground from irrigation canals and originated from bureau projects such as Grand Coulee Dam over a period of about 60 years.
A DOE economic analysis shows the new permits could add $23 million to agricultural development value and $60 million to commercial development value.
The permits are free, but permit recipients will pay the bureau for the water.
“This water that will provide an economic shot in the arm for Eastern Washington,” stated Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Once again, thanks to cooperation from the Bureau of Reclamation, our water management program in the Columbia River Basin is paying off for farms, businesses and communities.”
Milbrandt Vineyards near Mattawa is one of the businesses to receive the new water.
The business processes grapes, runs a winery and grows irrigated hay, grain and vegetables.
“This will allow us to expand our agricultural base and add more employees, that’s a given,” stated one of the business’s operators, Jerry Milbrandt.
According to DOE, Grant County farmer Stanley Kauffman plans to expand the family’s corn, hay and cattle operation in Moses Lake, Ephrata and Soap Lake.
“Basically the land has no value without water,” Kauffman stated. “I’ve watched the land grow from bare ground to beautiful farm land with a good economy.”
Royal City mint processor Jeff Cochran plans to grow rotation crops on new ground.
He stated the availability for ground for rotation crops became tighter in recent years.
The new water will also help Grant PUD operate a summer Chinook fish hatchery facility, which is required under the utility’s new license to operate its Columbia River dams.