SECWCD WCPlan 1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Fryingpan-Arkansas Project/District Description Authorization- On August 16, 1962 the Congress of the United States authorized the construction of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Public Law 87-590 authorized the construction and operation of the multipurpose project. On January 21, 1965, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District (District) entered into a repayment contract with the United States to repay the District's share of the reimbursable cost involved in construction of the project. The District was created April 29, 1958, by the District Court in Pueblo, Colorado, for the purpose of developing and administering the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. The final repayment contract was signed between the District and the United States on October 23, 1981. Construction began with Ruedi Dam and Reservoir in 1964, and continued without interruption until September 28, 1990 when the Project was declared completed with the dedication of the Fish Hatchery at Pueblo Reservoir. Construction is completed on all of the water supply-related features that were expected to be initially developed. There exists a potential to expand the North Side Collection System to Last Chance and Lime Creeks, tributaries of the Fryingpan River. However, plans to pursue this expansion have been deferred. Also, plans to construct the Arkansas Valley Conduit to serve towns and cities east of Pueblo with treated Project Water have been deferred. Description of Project Facilities- There are two distinct areas of the Project. The Western Slope, located in the Hunter Creek and Fryingpan River watersheds, and the Eastern Slope in the Arkansas River Valley. These areas are separated by the Continental Divide which in many places, exceeds an elevation of 14,000 feet. The Project consists of diversion, conveyance, and storage facilities designed primarily to divert water from Colorado River tributaries on the Western Slope for use in the water-short areas of the Arkansas River on the Eastern Slope. The North and South Side Collection System and Ruedi Dam and Reservoir are located on the Western Slope in the Fryingpan River Basin. Sugarloaf Dam and Turquoise Lake, Mt. Elbert Conduit, Halfmoon Diversion Dam, Mt. Elbert Forebay Dam and Reservoir, Twin Lakes Dam and Reservoir, and Pueblo Dam and Reservoir are all located on the Eastern Slope in the Arkansas River Basin. The Western Slope-Features-Ruedi Dam and Reservoir provide storage for replacement and regulation of water for the western slope users. This water is used for irrigation, municipal, industrial, recreation, and fish and wildlife purposes.