Comment on proposed FY 2006 budget

The Bureau of Reclamation desires renewal of project 1995-033-00 for Fiscal Year 2006. However, we request an additional $5,000 in funding (for a total of $95,000) due to increased demands in administrative and report work being requested by BPA for this contract, and to cover the cost of living increases of employees. This funding will cover increased costs of Work Elements A: Routine Operation and Maintenance of Fish Screens ($2,000), B: Annual Maintenance of Fish Screens ($1,000), F: Monthly Reports on the O&M of Yakima Basin Phase II Fish Screens ($1,000), and H: Manage and Administer Project ($1,000). The request for an increase in funds is assuming that the budget will be reduced to $90,000, as discussed with our COTR, Jonathan McCloud.

Accomplishments since the last review

Continued operation and maintenance of fish screen sites has resulted in protecting juvenile salmonids and other fish species from being entrained into irrigation canals. Since 2002, Packwood screens have been added to the list of sites to operate and maintain.

FY 2006 goals and anticipated accomplishments

Continued operation and maintenance of fish screen sites will protect juvenile salmonids and other fish species from being entrained into irrigation canals.

Subbasin planning

How is this project consistent with subbasin plans?

Page 12 of the Executive Summary of the Yakima Subbasin Plan explains how unscreened diversions have significant negative effects on salmon productivity. Screened diversions need to be maintained so that they operate properly. For all intents and purposes an improperly maintained screen that is operated out of criteria becomes an unscreened diversion by stalling fish in screen forebays and/or entraining fish into canals. Pages 12 and 13 describe how several stocks of fish (spring and fall chinook, steelhead, sockeye, and coho) have been reduced or extirpated in the Yakima Subbasin. Part of this population reduction was caused by unscreened or improperly maintained and operated diversions that entrained fish into canals where they never completed their life cycle. This project works towards continued optimal maintenance and operation of fish screens to reduce or eliminate fish entrainment into canals. Yakima Subbasin Plan chapter 4, section 3, pages 17-23, 33-37, and 39-40 reference protection and restoration key findings, objectives, and strategies for several fish species and stocks that are focal species which migrate through the Yakima mainstem and its tributaries. They have a life history that involves migrating downstream and, thus, they become subject to possible entrainment into canals. Proper operation and maintenance of fish screens preclude these focal species from being entrained into or unnecessarily delayed at canal diversions.

How do goals match subbasin plan priorities?

The project accomplishes priority work under the Yakima Subbasin Plan because the Prioritization Framework in the Management Plan puts work for these species as a high priority.

Other comments