WSP11224

• File Number: 8149.100
• Description: Miscellaneous Small Projects and Project Studies - NRCS-Ft Lyon Canal Co Limestone Graveyard Creeks
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 2/1/1994
• Author: Gronning Engineering
• Title: Ft Lyon Canal Company Water Transfer Alternatives Study Final Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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0232
50% funding for the recommended improvements through the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
The recommended improvements and betterments were projected to cost $2,700,000 and consjs~ of .
the projects outlined in Table A3.1 of Appendix 3. Although the Fort Lyon stockholders did not
approve the company's matching share (Annual Reports 1984) some of the improvements were
constructed. These include the Thurston pumping plant, headgate improvements and cleaning and
shaping the Fort Lyon Storage Canal. Maintenance projects are ongoing in accordance with the
funding levels provided by the annual assessments. However, the Canal system continues to need
considerable rehabilitation and repair.

3.3 Water RiLlhts and Water Stora2e

The Ft. Lyon Canal Company has direct flow water rights which allow a total diversion of 933 cfs
as outlined below.

Table 3.1 Ft. Lyon Canal Company Direct Flow Water Rights

Priority Date

Amount
cfs

April 15, 1884
March I, 1887
August 31, 1893
Total direct flow water rights

164.64
597.16

171.20

933.00 cfs

The direct flow water rights are subject to delivery of approximately 16 cfs, free of any assessments
or charges, as a result of the acquisition by the company of the right of way in 1883. These water
rights are delivered for agricultural use in the La Junta Division (Schuyler 1910).

Horse Creek Reservoir has a total decreed capacity of 28,000 acre-feet from the Arkansas River
through the Ft. Lyon Storage Canal or from Horse Creek. The decreed rights are presented in .
Table 3.2.

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