Tribal representative warns state sweep of water-acquisition funds reduced opportunities for streamflow restoration

Anton Keono, speaking for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, urged the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to prioritize water-acquisition investments after describing a recent Birch Creek streamflow restoration project the tribe showcased to the board. Keono told the board the project “exemplifies Oregon's collaborative spirit,” and stressed that voluntary water acquisitions protect instream flows without depriving other water users of legally available water.

Keono said the Bonneville Power Administration’s Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program has decades of experience funding permanent flow restorations but noted that demand exceeds supply, making complementary programs such as OWEB’s water acquisitions essential. He criticized a legislative decision to sweep an allocation from OWEB’s water acquisitions account—citing unspent funds—saying the move “feels like a painful missed opportunity” and urging staff and board members to examine barriers to getting projects funded and implemented.