Organization wants to reach out on looming water issue

By MATTHEW WEAVER

Capital Press

The Columbia Basin Development League is looking for someone with a background in agriculture to serve as its new executive director.

The league, based in Royal City, Wash., is accepting applications for the position until Sept. 11. The league is a non-profit organization that supports the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project.

League Executive Secretary Alice Parker said the ideal candidate has been involved in agriculture.

"We're looking for some administrative and communication skills, someone who could take this position and really hit the ground running," she said.

Previous director Sean McGrath resigned in the spring to pursue other interests, Parker said.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is finishing its study of the Odessa Subarea. Aquifer levels there have declined and farmers who draw water from wells hope to receive surface water via the Columbia Basin Project. The executive director needs to be ready to convey information to the public when the study is completed, Parker said.

Parker said the league needs to send a message that getting surface water to deep-well farmers in the affected area will be economically and environmentally effective.

About $1.4 billion in crops comes off the land each year, Parker said.

"We can get those wells and that aquifer back into a positive position and not be depleted," she said.

Applications can be faxed to 509-346-9442, e-mailed to mrsp@smwireless.net or mailed to the league at 8582 Road K S.W., Royal City, WA 99357.

Online

Columbia Basin Development League: http://cbdleague.com