Vision OBJECTIVE 2: The Irrigation Technology Center

OBJECTIVE 2 Major Activities (1) Supporting ITC planning, design and establishment (2) Developing and implementing training programs for the ITC The Irrigation Technology Center

Major Accomplishments past 9 months Feasibility study and development plan Feasibility study and development plan Received administrative approval of Received administrative approval of organization structure and mission Public and private involvement Public and private involvement Website Website The Irrigation Technology Center

ITC Mission Coordination and support of irrigation research and Extension programs statewide Coordination and support of irrigation research and Extension programs statewide Develop new and improved agricultural and landscape irrigation technologies, management, and reuse practices Develop new and improved agricultural and landscape irrigation technologies, management, and reuse practices Training and educational services for irrigators, agency and industry personnel, and the public Training and educational services for irrigators, agency and industry personnel, and the public

ITC Mission 4) Equipment testing and certification program 5) Design and performance standards for agricultural and landscape irrigation system 6) Linkages with undergraduate and graduate academic programs

ITC Divisions Urban Programs Urban Programs Agriculture Agriculture Equipment Testing and Certification Equipment Testing and Certification Water Reuse Water Reuse International International

Beach Ramirez Study Completed Feb 2002 Contracted firm to complete an independent analysis of :Contracted firm to complete an independent analysis of : – Feasibility study – Demand for Service – Land and site requirements – Design concepts and development plan – Potential revenue and economic impact – Cost

Beach Ramirez C onclusions ITC is critical to Texas meeting our long-term water needs ITC is critical to Texas meeting our long-term water needs Proposed facilities and programs are what’s needed Proposed facilities and programs are what’s needed Significant interest expressed from industry and stakeholders Significant interest expressed from industry and stakeholders Six-phase construction Six-phase construction

ITC Current Status Texas A&M Board of Reagents approved the ITC concept paper on March 22, 2002 Texas A&M Board of Reagents approved the ITC concept paper on March 22, 2002 Texas A&M Board of Reagents to consider the ITC full proposal on May 23, 2002 Texas A&M Board of Reagents to consider the ITC full proposal on May 23, 2002

ITC Activities with Board of Reagents Approval (May 23) Site evaluation of two suggested locations in San Antonio Site evaluation of two suggested locations in San Antonio Formation of Advisory Councils for ITC divisions as divisions are implemented Formation of Advisory Councils for ITC divisions as divisions are implemented Design review teams for proposed facilities Design review teams for proposed facilities Capital campaign and fundraising efforts Capital campaign and fundraising efforts

Project Plans 2002 Develop training programs for the ITC such as (in support of Tasks 3, 4, 5) Develop training programs for the ITC such as (in support of Tasks 3, 4, 5) – Pivot and drip buyers workshops for growers – Canal rider training and certification – Internet course for landscape professionals

Project Plans 2002 International collaboration International collaboration –CEAR (Center for Irrigation Education and Assistance), University of Guanajuato  Design assistance on expanding facilities  Joint training programs –Agriculture and Irrigation Center, Monterey Tech  plan and design

Project Plans 2002 Design of sprinkler and drip testing labs Design of sprinkler and drip testing labs –Visit public irrigation centers  CIT (Center for Irrigation Technology)  ITRC (Irrigation Training and Research Center) –Visit industry testing labs  Senninger  Hunter  Roberts Seek linkages and collaborative programs Seek linkages and collaborative programs