• Irrigation rates for 2025 will increase to cover operational costs.
• No changes were made to the proposed rate increases despite public feedback.
• The Colorado River Irrigation Project (CRIP) sees a $5 per acre rate increase.
• BIA addresses staffing challenges and budget adjustments for irrigation projects.

August 14, 2024 — The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has officially announced adjustments to irrigation assessment rates for the year 2025, effective January 1, 2025. These adjustments are intended to cover the costs associated with the administration, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of various irrigation projects across Indian reservations in the United States. Despite receiving public feedback, the BIA did not change the proposed rate increases.

Key Rate Changes and Public Feedback.

The BIA had previously published notices of proposed rate adjustments earlier this year, allowing for a public comment period. Among the feedback received, five written comments specifically addressed the Colorado River Irrigation Project (CRIP) in Arizona. Four of these commenters expressed concerns that basic services like water delivery and maintenance were not being adequately provided, opposing the rate increase. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), however, supported the increase, suggesting that future rates should be even higher to better fund CRIP operations and maintenance.

Despite these concerns, the BIA has confirmed that the rate increases are necessary. The cost of running these irrigation projects has risen, and the BIA is legally required to recover these costs through assessment rates. For CRIP, the basic per acre rate will increase from $64 to $69, with the additional revenue aimed at improving service quality and addressing deferred maintenance projects.

Staffing and Budget Considerations.

One significant concern raised was CRIP’s staffing shortages, which commenters linked to the project’s operational challenges. The BIA acknowledged these difficulties and highlighted ongoing efforts to recruit and fill 13 vacant positions, including maintenance workers and irrigation system operators. The agency emphasized that improving staffing levels is critical to enhancing the quality of service for water users.

The BIA also adjusted its budgeting strategy in response to fluctuating revenues from excess water sales, which fell short in 2023. To mitigate financial uncertainty, future budgets will rely less on unpredictable excess water revenues and more on stable assessment collections.

Moving Forward.

The 2025 irrigation assessment rate adjustments reflect the BIA’s commitment to maintaining and rehabilitating critical irrigation infrastructure on Indian reservations. While rate increases are never popular, the BIA insists they are necessary to ensure the continued operation and improvement of these vital projects.

Individuals are encouraged to refer to the BIA’s detailed contact tables or visit the Government Publishing Office’s website for further information on specific irrigation projects or to contact the appropriate BIA regional or local office.

These changes impact all landowners and leaseholders within the assessable acreage of the affected irrigation projects, ensuring that these critical systems remain functional and reliable for the future.

Historical Image:

IRRIGATION CANAL ON THE COLORADO RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION, Blythe (Calif.), May 1972, National Archives.  Public domain.

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