This project is a carry over from 2011 Targeted Solicitation Process.  The project was delayed due to high flows during the construction window and inability to perform instream flow work.  

This is one of three projects funded, in part, by BPA (matching funds from SRFB, Ecology, Tributary Committees, USFWS, BOR and others) through the Upper Columbia Habitat Project (project #2010-001-00), initially for FFY 2011 (project # 2010-001-00).  This project is also funded under the Columbia Basin Water Transaction Program as the Pioneer Piping Project. The costs associated with administering this contract are covered under the programmatic project (contract # 55221).  

The objective of this project is to improve habitat by increasing flows in the lower 7 miles of the Wenatchee River by up to 15 cubic-feet per second (cfs).  This project will create infrastructure improvements for the Pioneer Water Users Association (PWUA) who operate and maintain the Gunn Ditch, which supplies water for agricultural and residential irrigation to shareholders.  The project has several components that will address limiting factors in the Wenatchee and is part of the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Plan implementation schedule.  By initiating this project, other biologically productive restoration activities can also be implemented, including habitat improvements, diversion removal and possible side channel reconnection. There is over 25,000 linear feet of pipeline that will be installed.  There will be one pump station on the Lower Wenatchee River with two pumps for redundancy, which will be metered.  The turnouts on farm will be sized with the appropriate orifice to restrict flows to the appropriate quantity, but will not be metered.  The irrigators will be responsible for long term maintenance of the system. The entire water right will be transferred to instream flow in the Wenatchee River. Trout Unlimited will be submitting the Trust Water Rights Application and will shepherd it through Ecology, but the point of diversion change will be completed by the PWUA Attorney.

The project is complex with numerous phases, but this BPA contract will cover piping material,  permitting, and engineering costs associated with replacing 7 miles of open ditch with an enclosed pipe.  BPA funding will be used to purchase 1089 feet of Pressure Irrigation Pipe PVC - 12" diameter  AND 3120 feet of Pressure Irrigation Pipe PVC Installed - 8" diameter.