Fish screens were installed on the NUID Deschutes River canal diversion gate in 1945, and they are 80 years old. The NUID recognized the need for replacement in recent years and has been working to obtain federal and state grants to help finance their replacement.

Unfortunately, some federal grants awarded last year were suspended under the new administration.

Last month, NUID General Manager, Josh Bailey and Craig Horrell of the Deschutes Basin Board of Control went to Washington DC to introduce themselves to the pertinent Washington DC groups; lawmakers, Fish & Wildlife service, and the NRCS to advocate for funding of Central Oregon irrigation districts. At the May 13 board meeting, Bailey reported that they had between 16 and 18 meetings with senators and interested parties.

Bailey’s main goal was funding for the fish screen project (still on hold) and the Lake Billy Chinook pumping project.

Given the age of the screens, the NUID board agreed to move forward with a consulting firm to develop a replacement plan design, review, and bidding because this work has to be done, and these costs will be covered by one of the Oregon grants.

Fish screen project gallery

The NUID project gallery website includes grants awarded for the fish screen replacement as of November 2024:

a. NUID was awarded $5.88M through the WaterSmart AER Grant Program (Federal Bureau of Reclamation)

b. The District was awarded $750K through the ODFW ARPA Grant Program. ARPA funds must be spent by 2026.

c. Late October 2024, the District received notice that an OWEB grant for $1M was awarded.

d. Additional funding is being sought to finalize the project. $2M OWRD Grant application was submitted on July 10, 2024.