Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Agenda Item 16c. <br />July 13-14,1998 <br />Leroux Creek Water Users Association <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />(Updated 8/6/98) <br /> <br />Engineers have preliminarily estimated the total cost of the project could range from <br />$300,000 to $1,000,000. Reconnaissance and feasibility study costs are estimated at <br />between $10,000 and $15,000. The LCWUA has already spent approximately $10,000 on <br />geotechnical work that will be the basis of the engineering design for rehabilitation of the <br />dam. <br /> <br />In summer 1998 the LCWUA plans to investigate the feasibility of repairing and <br />rehabilitating the dam. The LCWUA would like to complete design and permitting in the <br />winter of 1998 so construction might be initiated as early as possible. It appears to staff <br />that a reasonable schedule would involve breaching the dam and preparation of the <br />foundation in fall 1998. This initial work might also involve setting the new outlet <br />conduit. Construction would stop for the winter, and then resume in late spring/early <br />summer 1999. The project would be completed in fall of 1999. <br /> <br />Discussion <br /> <br />The proposed project is consistent with Goal 2, Objectives 5 and 6, of the Board's Long <br />Range Plan adopted July 20, 1994. Objective 5 promotes the rehabilitation of existing <br />dams to reduce the amount of restricted storage in the state, and Objective 6 promotes <br />rehabilitation of existing raw water delivery systems. <br /> <br />There are significant issues that could keep the project from proceeding as scheduled. <br />Before construction can take place, the State Engineer must first approve the plans and <br />specifications. The U.S. Forest Service may also require special construction permits. <br /> <br />The LCWUA is a private company so there appears to be no Amendment One (TABOR) <br />issues. The directors of the association would have the authority to raise assessments as <br />necessary. However, the CWCB would require that the assessment increase be approved <br />by a vote of the shareholders. <br /> <br />The LCWUA, as a private company that delivers water wholesale to its shareholders, is <br />exempt from the requirements of Section 37-60-126, CRS, to prepare a Water <br />Conservation Plan. The Town of Hotchkiss, as a shareholder in the LCWUA, is also <br />exempt from the requirement to develop a Water Conservation Plan because it delivers <br />less than 2,000 acre-feet of water per year to its customers. <br /> <br />The LCWUA is expected to have certain financial obligations associated with the failure <br />of the dam. A one-time expense to reimburse downstream property owners is anticipated, <br />and would need to come from LCWUA cash reserves or a special assessment. Annual <br />premiums for liability insurance in the future could cost between $1,000 and $2,000. <br />