ARRA Project (WBS)#: LACAP0590000

Project Title: South Gerber Water Well Drilling

Index Map Locator #: 13

State: Oregon

Unit: BLM - Lakeview District

Description:

BLM-managed lands within the southern portion of the Gerber Block contain an insufficient water supply necessary to conduct fire suppression, dust abatement, road maintenance and range operations. Water currently used for these activities is collected from streams and ponds located 20 miles or more away.

Recovery Act Funding:

Project funding will be used to drill a well, construct a well house, create a holding reservoir and provide electrical service to the site.

Benefits:

Establishing a well on BLM-managed land east of the Langell Valley will provide a water source for multiple uses. This will reduce taxpayer costs associated with hauling water to the area, enhance firefighters' responsiveness to wildfires, increase road maintenance crew production and create new opportunities for managing the area's natural resources.

Updates:

The BLM is working with the State of Oregon's Water Resources Department to obtain a water rights permit for the well. The project is currently out for bid in two phases to be completed this summer. The first phase will drill and case the well. The second phase will install an access turn-around, well house, and water storage tank.