YAKIMA, Wash.-Phase 2 of the Nelson Dam removal and irrigation project is now underway.
The Nelson Phase 2 started Oct. 14 and will include the installation of new irrigation main lines from the new Nelson diversion, east along Hwy 12, to the existing Fruitvale irrigation canal near the N. 40th Avenue interchange.
According to the City of Yakima, initial funding for Phase 2 is from a $7.6 million Department of Ecology grant that was part of the State of Washington’s biennial budget for the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan.
An additional $5 million in grant funding will be provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation through their WaterSmart Aquatics Ecosystem Restoration Program after a final grant agreement is in place.
According to a Yakima press release on the project, work on Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2026 and will provide irrigation from the Nelson diversion for the city’s General and Fruitvale irrigation systems, as well as the Old Union Canal system.
Phase 1 of the Nelson Dam removal and irrigation project, which began in 2021, was completed in May 2024.
During Phase 1, Nelson Dam was removed to improve fish passage, decrease flooding and improve water quality.
