The Walla Walla County Conservation District used this funding to complete Phase 1 of a two-phase project to correct the irrigation diversion at the Hofer Dam located at river mile four on the Touchet River, the largest tributary of the Walla Walla River system. Hofer Dam, a diversion for the Touchet Eastside and Westside Irrigation Districts, was a passage barrier to adult salmonids migrating to spawning and rearing grounds in 196 stream miles above the dam in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties. The irrigation diversion at the dam was also an imminent threat to juveniles due to poorly designed and outdated fish screens that did not meet current state or federal standards. Correcting these barriers was critical to recovery of mid-Columbia steelhead, the re-establishment of spring Chinook, and the maintenance of genetic viability of bull trout in the basin. Phase 1 completed all pre-construction work including an engineered plan based on a design approved by stakeholders, a cost estimate, and all project permits for a new fish ladder at the dam resulting in improved fish passage. Phase 1 was completed in 2005. The numerous stakeholders were in unanimous agreement that this project was pivotal to recovery efforts in the Walla Walla Basin The stakeholders included the irrigation districts, CTUIR, BPA, WDFW, WDOE, Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Tri-State Steelheaders (TSS) RFEG.