YAKIMA, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation issued a determination on Tuesday stating that the condition of the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation Canal constitutes an emergency. This determination means that the bureau must issue funds for rehabilitation within the next 30 days.
Travis Okelberry, manager of Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District (YTID), expressed his gratitude for the support received.
“We are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary support shown at every level—local, state, and federal—throughout this consequential moment in our District’s history,” Okelberry said.
He highlighted the strain caused by the Retreat Fire and the joint efforts to address the challenges faced by the community’s infrastructure.
Washington Congressman Dan Newhouse also supported the Bureau’s determination.
“The emergency determination from the Bureau of Reclamation for the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation Canal is welcome news for the Yakima Valley,” Newhouse stated. “This determination unlocks funding to repair the extensive damage caused by the Retreat Fire in 2024 and brings peace of mind to the farmers and families who rely on the canal for their water needs.”
Okelberry emphasized the YTID’s commitment to providing water and protecting the community’s water supply for the foreseeable future.
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