This third contract year of the programmatic agreement between the BPA and the WDFW is continuing significant improvements in fish protection in the upper Columbia watersheds by bringing existing fish screen facilities into compliance with federal and Washington State fish screening and passage standards. The WDFW identified eight projects (Buttermilk, MVID East, Skyline, Twisp Power, Maltais, Tandy, Rocky reach pool pump screen inventory, and the Entiat River Pump Screen) as being at the top of WDFW's list for correction to protect Spring Chinook and steelhead populations.

The sponsors will continue to implement a phased approach to correcting the respective issues at each of these project locations using a logical, sequential, and strategized approach that includes diligent communication with BPA, local experts, and water users. WDFW will continue working closely in partnership with the Methow Salmon Recovery Funding Board (MSRF), local entities, landowners, water users, and the Upper Columbia Salmon Recover Board (UCSRB).

WDFW completed the Buttermilk, Tandy, and Entiat pump screen projects, and produced engineered designs for the Skyline, Maltais, MVID, and Twisp Power projects in the first and second year of funding. Under this agreement WDFW will complete the MVID East and Maltais diversion projects as deliverables. Construction for the MVID project will begin summer 2024 and be completed after irrigation shutdown fall 2024. Twisp Power will be completed after irrigation shutdown fall 2024. WDFW will continue to analyze the diversions identified while conducting a boat-based survey of the Rocky Reach pool and work with Ecology staff in a collaborative effort to achieve landowner outreach and cooperation for screen improvements. WDFW will work with local partners in the future to complete a prioritized correction plan based on likelihood of impact to fish life, diversion volume, location, and landowner willingness. In an addition to this contract, WDFW will help purchase compliant fish screens for the Aeneas Lake Irrigation District to replace their failing 12cfs pump screens in the Okanogan River.