Conference Summary

More than 130 irrigation professionals attended the USCID Conference held during March 2010 in Sacramento, California. The Conference theme was Upgrading Technology and Infrastructure in a Finance-Challenged Economy. Water professions are facing increased challenges in financing infrastructure and technology due to the recent economic downturn and tightening of the credit markets. Response to droughts, climate change and increased scrutiny of water management practices continue to drive the need to upgrade irrigation infrastructure and technology in these challenging times. Attendees exchanged ideas and experiences in developing innovative financing and funding solutions through presentations, a panel discussion, technology exhibits and informal discussions during the conference.

On Tuesday morning, Conference attendees participated in a tour of the Freeport Project Intake Facility, a newly constructed large capacity pumping plant on the Sacramento River. Following the tour, Michael J. Engelbrecht, from Wells Fargo Bank gave a very informative lunch presentation on qualifying irrigation districts for financing. Outstanding keynote presentations by Brian J. Brady, General Manager of the Imperial Irrigation District, Charles M. Burt of California Polytechnic State University and David Downie of the Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia opened the conference. Following the afternoon break, the opening plenary session concluded with excellent keynote presentations by Rick L. Gold of CDM, Steven C. Macaulay of West Yost Associates and Mike Wade of the Agricultural Water Management Council and California Farm Water Coalition. A Meet the Exhibitors Session and a Welcome Reception/Exhibition capped off an informative first day.

The second day began with concurrent sessions on Innovative Technologies and Urban/Ag Partnerships. These sessions provided attendees with exceptional practical examples of new technology applications and stimulating ideas for developing partnerships to expand and share water resources. The interesting and informative presentations continued in the afternoon with concurrent sessions on Upgrading Infrastructure and Finance and Economics.

Roger K. Patterson of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California spoke after dinner on Wednesday evening. His fascinating presentation focused on the current water supply challenges facing Metropolitan Water District and the options being discussed for water conveyance through, around or under the Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta.

Thursday morning opened with a Poster Session during the continental breakfast that continued during the coffee breaks and lunch. The oral presentations that followed provided case studies and general principles of Water Planning and on Water and Energy Supply/Conservation. Heather Cooley of the Pacific Institute Studies in Development, Environment and Security discussed the importance of water conservation during lunch. Closing keynote addresses by Kamyar Guivetchi, Chief of the Division of Statewide Integrated Water Management of the California Department of Water Resources and Donald R. Glaser, Director of the Mid Pacific Region of the Bureau of Reclamation highlighted the importance of water planning and the many diverse factors influencing water management today. An outstanding panel discussion on the The Future of Water Resources Development was moderated by Darell D. Zimbelman of Rubicon Systems America. The panel of Donald R. Glaser, Rick L. Gold, Kamyar Guivetchi, Murray Smith and Mike Wade provided stimulating food for thought about The Future of Water Resources Development.

On Friday, the Conference concluded with a day-long field tour visiting flood control facilities of the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority and the Yuba County Water Agency's fish screen, hydro powerplant and water storage and diversion facilities.

The Conference proved to be an excellent forum for irrigation district staff, water agency staff, irrigation and drainage specialists, consultants and academics to share innovative solutions and learn from each other's experiences.

Conference Proceedings are available from USCID.

Conference Exhibitors

Conference Sponsors