HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has released $6 million for improvements to the Waimanalo Irrigation System to maximize the amount of water transported from Maunawili Valley water collection intakes to the Waimanalo reservoir and area farmers, according to a news release.

The system is managed by the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture.

"When the Waimanalo Irrigation System isn't operating efficiently, farmers feel the impact, particularly during periods of below-average rainfall," Lingle said. "This project will provide major system improvements so that Waimanalo farmers have a more dependable water supply for their crop production and for their businesses to succeed."

Over the past six years, Waimanalo Valley farmers have faced five droughts, as well as mandatory restrictions on water usage due to low water-level readings at the Waimanalo reservoir. This project will build on past emergency work conducted by Department of Agriculture employees and volunteer crews by repairing deteriorated flumes and ditches that hamper the irrigation system's ability to transport water, constructing an additional siphon system, and upgrading access roads and service pathways to make it easier for workers to reach construction and repair sites.

Design work for the project is scheduled to be completed in November. Construction is scheduled to be completed in November 2009.