Idaho’s water regulators have redirected $10 million toward Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer recharge projects after Gov. Brad Little promised the money to farmers and ranchers last month.
The Idaho Water Resource Board moved $10 million in its existing budget from a project near Orofino still in the planning stages toward the aquifer recharge efforts.
Board members say negotiations are still ongoing with the federal government over a new pipeline to funnel water from Dworshak Dam to a small power generator at the nearby fish hatchery.
It’s unclear what kinds of aquifer recharge projects the $10 million would fund.
Water users drawing from the ESPA negotiated a new management plan over the summer and sent a draft to IDWR last month. The agency has not responded to a request to release that plan to the public.
Regulators must approve a new plan by the end of this month.
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