Big Pine Paiute Tribe

The Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley (TRIBE) Proposes to Replace Two Stand Pipes and Two Clean Out Structures on the Big Pine Paiute Reservation Which Are Integral to Efficient Operation of the Tribe S Irrigation Water Distribution System. Since the 1940S, Big Pine Creek Water Has Been Provided to the Reservation and Distributed by Gravity Through a System of Buried Pipes. the System Continues to Serve the Community as an Efficient, Low-cost Method to Access Non Potable Water for Outdoor Needs, and This Water Accounts for the Majority of Water Used on the Reservation Each Year. Tribal Community Members Rely on the Irrigation Water to Grow Gardens and Fruit Trees, Provide Water to Domestic Animals, Maintain Landscaping Plants Including Shade Trees, and Control Soil Erosion (dust). in Past Years, the Tribe Has Acquired Funds to Expand the System and Also to Replace Old, Deteriorated Parts. a 2017 Engineering Evaluation, Funded by Bureau of Reclamation, Recommended Replacing Structures, Some 80 Years Old, in a Phased Manner. in 2020, Four Structures Were Successfully Replaced. the Tribe Desires to Proceed to the Next Phase and Replace Four More Old Structures That No Longer Function Properly, Waste Water and Time for Tribal Staff, and Limit the Ability of the System to Equitably Distribute Water. This Proposal Requests $367,249. the Majority of the Funds Will Be Used to Procure a Contractor to Dig Out and Remove Two Old Stand Pipes and Two Old Clean Out Structures and Install Modern Replacements. the Balance of the Funds Will Cover Staff Time to Prepare a Request for Proposals, Carry Out Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance, Monitor Contractor Activities, Prepare Outreach About Water Use Efficiency, and Fulfill Basic Grant Obligations, Such as Reporting. the Project Is Expected to Take One Year, With the Structure Replacement Work Taking Place November-march When There Is No Water in the System.