Bureau of Reclamation transfers partial title for Ochoco Reservoir water infrastructure to Ochoco Irrigation District

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released a statement Friday regarding the partial title transfer by the Bureau of Reclamation to the Ochoco Irrigation District of the water delivery infrastructure associated with Ochoco Reservoir near Prineville:

“This ‘phase one’ title transfer of the Crooked River Project’s water distribution facilities to OID will provide the District with complete ownership of the water delivery infrastructure and land upon which that infrastructure is located.

"This is an important step toward local control and autonomy for the District. The District’s final payment of its share of the original cost of the project was made some years ago, and the District has since been paying for maintenance and operations, so this is a welcome opportunity for the Bureau to hand over the title to this portion of the project.

"I congratulate OID and thank Commissioner Camille Touton for her leadership in making this conveyance a reality,” Bentz said.