WE HAVE THE WATER

Support the Columbia Basin Project

Membership supports the Leagues efforts to provide timely, fact based information and status updates to stakeholders.

INVEST

Nearly 700,000 acres has been fully developed and irrigated, but over 300,000 acres await the infrastructure needed to supply a reliable source of irrigation water to expand food production and security, and to sustain and grow economic vitality.

MAINTAIN

Portions of the Columbia Basin have infrastructure that is over 70 years old. An investment in water infrastructure is an investment in our nation’s economy, its health, and its future.

SUPPORT

The Columbia Basin Project is a public benefit, and as such it is our shared responsibly to support and advocate for the completion of the Project. Support the Project by joining the league today.

Q2 NEWSLETTER

READ ONLINE ARCHIVE

Representative Baumgartner Farm Bill Amendment...

19Jun2026

Representative Baumgartner Farm Bill Amendment Strengthens Future Funding Opportunities for Columbia Basin Project and OGWRP

The Columbia Basin Development League (CBDL) is applauding Representative Michael Baumgartner for securing language in the House-passed Farm Bill that recognizes the importance of the Columbia Basin Project and strengthens opportunities for future federal conservation and water infrastructure investments throughout the region. Representative Baumgartner's amendment directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include the Columbia Basin Project area within the Western Waters Region Critical Conservation Area (CCA), a designation that helps agricultural regions compete for targeted conservation, water management, and infrastructure funding through USDA programs. Read full press release.

Aubrey Bettencourt has been nominated by...

16Jun2026

Hanford farmer Aubrey Bettencourt has been nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner - the nations largest water agency.

Bettencourt is a third-generation farmer at Bettencourt Farms, which has a popular pumpkin patch. During Trump's first term, she served as deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of the Secretary, Water and Science Division, where she oversaw water and science policy. Read More

Columbia Basin Has Merch!

12Jun2026

We Have CBDL Merch!

Branded hats, shirts, cups, water bottles and more. Check out our NEW STORE.

Groundbreaking Milestone for the EL 80.6...

12Jun2026

Groundbreaking Milestone for the EL 80.6 Delivery System

State leaders, state legislators, irrigation officials and farmers were present on June 7 for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District's groundbreaking of the EL 80.6 delivery system. This is the 4th Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program system to begin construction. When complete, EL 80.6 will convert nearly 5,900 acres from deep well irrigation to Columbia River surface water.

Kent Smith on Why Our Work Matters

3Jun2026

CBDL Board Member, Kent Smith, on Why Our Work Matters

The CBDL project is important for a sustainable future for our community. View here.

CBDL Call for Sessions

1Jun2026

Call for Sessions – 2026 CBDL Conference & Annual Meeting

November 12 to 13, 2026 | Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the Columbia Basin Project. The Columbia Basin Development League is accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 CBDL Conference & Annual Meeting at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. We’re looking for thoughtful, informative, and forward-looking sessions from experts and stakeholders across the region. Apply HERE.

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What is the Columbia Basin Project?

The Columbia Basin Project (CBP), authorized by Congress in 1935, was created to provide a reliable irrigation water supply to farms across the Mid-Columbia Basin.

1,029,000 acres authorized by Congress.

Nearly 700,000 acres currently receive Project irrigation water.

More than 300,000 acres remain unfinished and await funding.

The project is not yet complete. The Columbia Basin Development League (CBDL) advocates for completing the remaining authorized acreage so the full vision of the Columbia Basin Project can be realized.

East Columbia Basin
Irrigation District (ECBID)

The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District is the largest district in the state of Washington, with authorization to irrigate 472,000 acres, however less than 170,000 acres are currently irrigated.

Manager: Craig Simpson, P.E.

Quincy Columbia Basin
Irrigation District (QCBID)

Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District serves over 250,000 irrigated acres, primarily in Grant County with a small portion in Adams County.

Manager: Roger Sonnischsen

South Columbia Basin
Irrigation District (SCBID)

In January 1969 he South Columbia Basin Irrigation District assumed operating responsibility for facilities to serve up to 300,000 acres across portions of Franklin, Adams and Grant Counties.

Manager: John O'Callaghan