MOSES LAKE — Replenishing the depleting water supply on Columbia Basin farmland was the main topic at the Columbia Basin Development League’s annual conference.

The theme of was “Moving Forward.”

Former Wenatchee World Publisher Wildred Woods discussed the history of the Columbia Basin Project through his father’s involvement.

A panel discussion included representatives from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, state Department of Ecology, East Columbia Irrigation District and Columbia Basin Development League.

In addition, the Bureau of Reclamation provided an update on the Odessa Sub-Area Special Study.

The study examines water replacement in the Odessa Sub-Area Aquifer. The study area is 121,000 acres.

“Projects of this size and scope take time,” noted development league Government Relations Specialist Mike Schwisow.

Schwisow said at the time the Columbia Basin Project was created, it was projected to take 77 years to build out. The project is within the estimated time frame, he said.

“This is one of the largest reclamation projects in the United States,” he said.

He noted organizers will have to prove to Congress the project’s worthiness for public funds.

Political representatives from Washington D.C., provided comment virtually.

“Moving forward on the Columbia Basin Project is critical to ensuring the economic viability of the region,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers,R-5th District.

She said $2.8 million was secured to complete the sub-area study.

McMorris-Rodgers said the Weber Siphon Complex will help expand surface water.

The project involves building a second siphon alongside an existing siphon at the Weber Branch Siphon and Weber Coulee Siphon, said East Columbia Basin Irrigation District Manager Craig Simpson.

Sen. Patty Murray called the project “ready-to-go” and said an added project benefit is the creation of jobs.

“This progress has only been possible because we all work together,” Murray said.

Wendy Christensen, Bureau of Reclamation Technical Projects Officer, said the Odessa Sub-Area Special Study is designed to replace groundwater with surface water.

Options include full groundwater replacement and partial groundwater replacement.

Full groundwater replacement would serve 102,000 acres, Christensen said. Partial groundwater replacement would serve 57,000 acres.

A special study report draft will be completed in spring or summer 2010, Christensen said. The final study report is expected to be finished in 2011.