Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Idaho water managers outline basin projects and warn of 2026 shortfalls
Summary
A panel of water managers updated the House Resources & Conservation Committee on modernization and efficiency projects across the Boise River Basin and Snake River Plain, and warned of expected water shortfalls in 2026 while describing funding sources and project progress.
The House Resources & Conservation Committee on Feb. 3 heard a multi‑speaker update from the Idaho Water Users Association on water‑management projects across the Boise River Basin and the Snake River Plain.
Lara Herway, Executive Director of Idaho Ground Water Appropriations (IGWA), opened the presentation and said five speakers would summarize completed and ongoing projects. Lorri Gray, Secretary/Treasurer of the Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District, described the Ridenbaugh Canal Headworks Modernization Project on the Boise River, citing aging headworks infrastructure, the headworks’ role in timely water delivery, the mix of funding sources being used, and the project’s current status.
Daniel Hoke, Watermaster for Water District 63, told the committee the district is working to improve water management and efficiency and warned of expected shortfalls in 2026. He described efforts to stabilize seasonal fluctuations and to get ahead of predicted shortages.
Jay Barlogi, General Manager of the Twin Falls Canal Company, summarized the Highline Canal Project, saying the company is relining roughly nine miles of canal to reduce leakage and improve efficiency. Barlogi outlined project challenges, progress to date and funding approaches.
Alan Jackson, District Manager for the Bingham County Groundwater District, and Aaron Dalling, Manager of the Fremont‑Madison Irrigation District, reviewed local district efforts and project progress, including funding sources and implementation goals.
Committee members questioned the presenters on project timelines and funding; presenters remained available to answer those questions. The update provides the committee with current status on several infrastructure projects and an early warning on supply risks for 2026.
