Water management and project updates focus of CBDL's 60th annual meeting

MOSES LAKE - The Columbia Basin Development League (CBDL) will host its Conference and 60th Annual Meeting on October 29 at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. The Washington State Potato Commission is the presenting sponsor for the event, which will provide updates on the Columbia Basin Project and address issues affecting regional stakeholders.

The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., covering various aspects of the Columbia Basin Project. The agenda includes presentations on irrigation district operations, water management, fish passage efforts, and funding strategies.

Speakers include representatives from local irrigation districts: Roger Sonnichsen from Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Craig Simpson from East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, and John O'Callaghan from South Columbia Basin Irrigation District. Marc Maynard, Deputy Field Office Manager of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will join them for a session titled "A View from the Canals."

DR Michele, Executive Director of Upper Columbia United Tribes, will discuss fish passage efforts. Clark Mather of Northwest River Partners will present on the Columbia River Task Force and its implications for the Columbia Basin Project.

The Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program is a focus, with presentations scheduled from Jon Erickson of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District and Kristina Ribellia of the Columbia Basin Conservation District.

U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse, representing Washington's 4th District, will deliver the closing keynote address.

The 60th Annual Meeting portion includes the announcement of 2025 board election results and recognition of contributors to the Project's advocacy efforts.

Registration for the event is open, with details available on the CBDL website at www.cbdl.org.