Legislator Chen Ying Secures Over NT$100 Million to Improve Taitung's Irrigation Infrastructure

Legislator Chen Ying has secured over NT$100 million in funding for 12 irrigation improvement projects in Taitung, with 11 already contracted and underway, aiming to enhance agricultural resilience amid extreme weather conditions.

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 13:25
  • 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 13:39 (14 min after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 13, 2026 at 08:38 (18h 59m after Collected)
Taitung's agricultural irrigation infrastructure has long suffered from aging systems and insufficient capacity. Legislator Chen Ying announced today that she has secured over NT$100 million in funding for 12 related infrastructure projects this year, with 11 already contracted and under construction, and one project having completed its detailed planning and design phase.

Chen Ying, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator, told reporters that she frequently receives appeals from farmers about outdated or inadequate irrigation canals and equipment, which pose significant challenges. These improvement costs are beyond the financial capacity of individual farmers, prompting them to seek her assistance.

Chen stated that she successfully secured approximately NT$110 million for 12 agricultural irrigation improvement projects this fiscal year. Eleven of these projects have already been contracted and are now under construction, while the remaining one has had its detailed planning and design approved.

Among the 11 contracted projects, the largest in scale and complexity is the 'Chishang–Hudibei Bei 1st Drainage Improvement Project,' with a budget of NT$36 million. This project aims to comprehensively address long-standing drainage bottlenecks in the area, including damaged drainage channels, insufficient flood discharge capacity, lack of water diversion facilities, and sections where drainage walls are too low.

Chen explained that the 'Chishang–Hudibei Bei 1st Drainage Improvement Project' was initiated after she and fellow DPP legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung invited the Irrigation Agency, along with Chishang Township Mayor Lin Chien-hung, Deputy Speaker Chiu Huan-sen of the Chishang Township Council, and local farmers, to conduct an on-site inspection last year. Following this, funding was secured, planning completed, and the project was successfully contracted and commenced construction recently.

Additionally, the 'Kuanhsiang Canal Intake Improvement Project – Design and Supervision' is a critical preliminary phase that will determine the overall scheduling capability and water supply stability of the agricultural irrigation system in the Kuanhsiang area. This project will enhance intake facilities and improve water distribution efficiency, strengthening the resilience of agricultural water use. It is expected to be tendered soon.

The other 10 irrigation improvement projects are distributed across Taitung City, Donghe Township, Luye Township, Beinan Township, Guanshan Township, and Chishang Township. They cover a wide range of works, including canal improvements, reinforcement of water supply systems, repair of guardrails, design and supervision of intake improvements, and post-disaster reconstruction.

Chen emphasized that agricultural irrigation infrastructure is a foundational element for stable agricultural production. Through continuous assessment and funding acquisition, she aims to gradually strengthen the resilience of Taitung’s irrigation and drainage systems, enabling farmers to cultivate with confidence even under extreme climate conditions.

FAQ

Why does Taitung's irrigation infrastructure need improvement?

Aging systems and extreme weather have caused drainage and irrigation issues affecting farming.

What is the largest project?

The Chishang–Hudibei Bei 1st Drainage Project, with NT$36 million to enhance drainage capacity.

What benefits do farmers gain from these improvements?

Stable water supply and drainage allow confident cultivation during droughts and heavy rains.