ID SCR116

Water District 1 encompasses Idaho's Panhandle region (Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis, and Idaho counties) and is recognized as vital for agricultural productivity, aquifer sustainability, flood management, and recreation

Priest Lake Outlet Dam Modification in Bonner County is supported for maintaining statutorily established lake levels, protecting tourism, shoreline property values, and downstream flows for the Priest River ecosystem

Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District's Lower Clearwater Exchange Project in Nez Perce County is prioritized as a model for shifting water reliance from unstable groundwater to the Clearwater River, benefiting local aquifer stability and ESA-listed steelhead populations

Aging Infrastructure Grants are recognized for agricultural systems including the Burnett Water Users Association project in Clearwater County and the Hayden Lake Irrigation District pipeline replacement in Kootenai County, which protects the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer drinking water source

Legislature supports continued appropriation of funds to the Idaho Water Resource Board for completion and long-term viability of these projects, citing rapid population growth and aging infrastructure concerns