Four years ago, I was approached by my father, who suggested that I run for a position on the Board of Directors at Truckee-Carson Irrigation District. At the time he had served 24 years on the board, 20 of those as president and he felt like he had given what he needed to give, and it was time to move on.
My response to his inquiry was “Yeah, right,” or something along that line. I had grown up with firsthand experience seeing what extreme challenges my dad and others endured during those 24 years. In addition, I was raising a growing family, expanding our farming operation, and managing a growing business marketing the hay our farm produced. Running for the board was not something I had ever considered or planned on doing or felt like I could do. I also wanted nothing to do with politics, there is an adage that goes something like: “You are a good politician if you can leave a disagreement by letting the other person get your way.” If you know my dad, that is him. He understands water issues better than anyone I know, and he has the ability to teach people the important role water plays in our community. I, on the other hand, don't have that gift or political knack.
And now, here I am four years later completing my first term. What gave? After much consideration, I had the thought; “If not me, who else?” Let me explain what I mean by that. I was born and raised in agriculture. When I left home for college I studied and received an education with ag in mind, and now I am sustained by agriculture. So ag is who I am, it is a part of me. Farmers have a relationship with the land and natural resources that truly only another farmer would understand. That is the reason I decided to run. To protect what's mine, my farm, my community, what I know, who I am, along with all the others like me.
As the newest member of the board, I received the privilege to chair the public relations committee. I hope that through this monthly forum, I can communicate that part of ag that is specific and vitally important to our community, water. Here I will do my best to educate and inform on the past, present, and future happenings of the irrigation project as we move forward through these ever-changing times.
Here’s what’s currently happening:
With current conditions the water allocation, the start date has been set at 70% in the Carson division, with orders starting March 15. The Truckee division is set at 90% with the season starting April 15. We remain hopeful for the chance for more precipitation in the snowpack.
Water User meetings have been tentatively set for March 16 in Fernley, with the location to be determined, and in Fallon March 17, in the County Commission Chambers.
Ownership of the “Old Lahontan'' power station has been officially transferred from the United States to TCID and is now owned by the water rights holders. This transfer of title procures all future revenues from hydroelectric power generation to the district and will help offset operation and maintenance costs in perpetuity.
Lastly, the board has approved moving forward with the procurement of the funding of $35 million from the latest infrastructure bill. These funds will be used for the lining of a portion, approximately six miles, of the Truckee Canal. The lining of the proposed portion will greatly help mitigate the future risk of a breach and upon completion will secure increased canal flows for all future transfers.
I am looking forward to visiting with you here each month.
TCID Talks is the newest feature of “The Fallon Post.” Each week we will be discussing various parts and pieces of the District’s operation and existence in the Lahontan Valley. Any questions can be directed to [email protected]
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