Higgins to lead the League

RITZVILLE — A lifelong resident of Eastern Washington will take the help of the Columbia Basin Development League.

“Sara Higgins has been promoted to executive director," League chairman Matt Harris said. Previous executive director Vicky Scharlau will continue in an advisory role.

Higgins has served as assistant director since 2011, Harris

“Sara has been a steadfast leader of the League’s team. She is focused on breaking down complex issues and has expertly utilized limited resources to continually advance our work with federal, state, and local policymakers and stakeholders," he said. "As we look to meet the future needs of the Columbia Basin Project in a difficult political environment, Sara is the right person for the job.”

Higgins is a Class 42 graduate of AgForestry. She has a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from Seattle University.

"I look forward to leveraging these opportunities to increase the capacity of the League and, ultimately, deliver greater impact in support of the Project,” Higgins said.

The league is currently focused on completion of the Odessa Ground Water Replacement Program.

Other issues include reinvestment in aging infrastructure and availability of adequately funded government programs used by the three irrigation districts.