Feds ask for comments on turning over KID canals and land to Tri-Cities ownership

The federal Bureau of Reclamation is accepting comments on a plan to transfer ownership of the Kennewick Irrigation District canals, land and rights from the federal government to the district and its water users.

KID has repaid most of its $4.6 million, zero-interest federal loan that paid for the Bureau of Reclamation to build its facilities, including canals and pumps, that could be transferred to district ownership.

KID has said it wants to take title to irrigation facilities to reduce administrative costs and increase operating efficiency.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., has said that the title conveyance is not a privatization of federal water projects or property. Instead, it conveys the title to facilities already managed and operated by a local, public irrigation district.

Congress will have to approve the transfer.

Comments to the Bureau of Reclamation may be emailed to cstuart@usbr.gov or mailed to Chad Stuart, Yakima Field Office Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Yakima Field Office, 1917 Marsh Road, Yakima, WA 98901.

They are due by April. 6.