April Snell News Today

Experts have recommended Oregon water regulators spend $13.5 million in their initial phase of distributing $50 million allocated by lawmakers for irrigation modernization projects.

Applicants in Central Oregon have won most of the state’s water supply grants this year, building on a trend that’s raising concerns among some state water regulators.

In other news, rules on water rights could soon change for Oregon farmers who forego using irrigation during times of drought, police have identified two South Eugene High students believed to be responsible for four recent threats, and more.

Though depleted aquifers are a mounting worry in Oregon, they may offer the chance to store irrigation water without building costly and controversial new dams. The legislature is considering a

Though depleted aquifers are a mounting worry in Oregon, they may offer the chance to store irrigation water without building costly and controversial new dams. The legislature is considering a

SALEM — Oregon farmers who have to forgo irrigation due to drought won’t endanger their water rights under legislation before the state Senate. Opponents, however, claim it is overly broad

Water has been traded in the Western U.S. for decades, but as the region faces intensifying regulations, shifts in crops and drought concerns, water markets are evolving to reflect the

SALEM — The 2021 irrigation season is shaping up to be a tale of two Oregons. River basins in the northern part of the state are in comparatively good shape, with snowpack at or above normal from Mount Hood to the Wallowa Mountains, according to the latest outlook from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Southern Oregon, however, is another story. Exceptionally dry weather has pushed the region deeper into drought, threatening water supplies for both farms and fish. Local irri...

Rep. Cliff Bentz named to House panel on water, oceans, wildlife KTVZ file Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore. ONTARIO, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., on Wednesday was named the Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. This places Oregon’s freshman Republican congressman front and center on matters concerning America’s water resources, federal irrigation projects, hydroelectric power, interstate water issues and fisheries management.  “I ...

SALEM — A proposed 17% fee increase on water transactions and dam inspections has raised concerns about increasing the economic burden on Oregon farmers during the coronavirus pandemic.