Some project features were constructed more than 100 years ago and require large-scale rehabilitation to maintain reliable irrigation diversions and improve operator safety, flood control, and flow capacity into the future.
Current funding sources include BIA funds and grant funding acquired by the Yakama Nation.
The design, permitting, and construction processes for the long-term rehabilitation of the Wapato Diversion require years of planning. Furthermore, the cost of long-term rehabilitation is estimated to approach or exceed $100,000,000; final funding sources for the comprehensive solution have not yet been secured.
The major participants of this project include the BIA, the Yakama Nation, Bureau of Reclamation, and BNSF Railway Company. Emails to the project team can be sent to wapatodiversion@dowl.com.
The project will maintain conditions for traditional fish harvest below the Diversion. Making improvements for public fishing access is not part of this project.
The project will improve irrigation delivery reliability; adverse irrigation impacts are not anticipated during construction.
Yes, modernization features are under consideration and will be implemented.
Yes, the project team is working in coordination with the BIA and Yakama Nation to identify and respectfully address cultural and historic resources.
Yes, the project will include modernized safety features and rectify deficiencies to provide a safe environment for operations and maintenance personnel.
Boating and fishing on the Yakima River may be restricted in designated areas while construction is underway. The immediate Diversion vicinity should be avoided by recreationalists before and after construction due to the potential presence of swift currents and hydraulic rollers.
Construction of long-term rehabilitation improvements is expected to be completed over 3 to 4 construction seasons and may begin as early as 2027. Construction timing depends on several factors such as funding and permitting.
Yes. The project is subject to the Yakama Nation Water Code, the Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of the United States, and potentially other permitting requirements. The BIA will prepare the necessary documents to comply with environmental requirements, including protecting threatened and endangered species and water quality in the Yakima River.
Yes. The BIA anticipates a formal public engagement process will be completed as part of NEPA compliance for the project. Regular updates will also be posted to the project website and sent to interested parties via email. You can sign up for email updates here .