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I I. I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I. I Executive summary ii OMID currently benefits from hydropower generation at a rate of $0.00459 per kilowatt- hour through an existing contract with Xcel Energy, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and Grand Valley Water Users (GVWU). An additional power generation of 1.7 million kilowatt-hours per year would yield a payment of about $7,800 per year directly to OMID. Required loan payments for Power Canal enlargement would be likely be $55,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the financing details. OMID must seek financial assistance from outside sources in order for the project to be feasible. OMID must also seek cooperative financial agreements with GVWU and Xcel Energy, who would also benefit from increased hydropower generation. If these criteria can be met, the project could be feasible. On the 4th of August 2005, OMID personnel conducted a meeting with Mr. Chuck Hogue, Plant Manager, and Mr. Don Burr, Superintendent of the Cameo Power Station owned by Xcel Energy. Mr. Hogue indicated that the hydro electric power facilities at the OMID offices require extensive rehabilitation and upgrading, and with an upgrade, he believed that the power station would be capable of conveying the additional 60 cubic feet per second without adding an additional penstock and turbine/generator. Mr. Hogue will set up a meeting with the Xcel engineer responsible for the hydro electric facilities and OMID personnel to discuss the power station and canal upgrade work being conducted at the same time, and the possibility of Xcel Energy's financial involvement within the project. Results of Task 2 - Orchard Mesa Power Canal overtopping Overtopping of the Orchard Mesa Power Canal along 1-70 has caused dangerous flooding on the interstate in the past. The flooding is caused by ice jams in the Power Canal, forcing the water to eventually overtop the canal walls. The recommended solution to this problem is to construct overflow weirs and conveyance channels along the canal section that parallels Interstate 70. This solution is referred to as Option 2 in the text of this report. Option 2 is much less expensive than Option 3 (covering the canal) and more effective than Option 1 (installing one side-spill spillway). The total cost of solving this flooding problem would be approximately $390,000. OMID should seek cooperation from the Colorado Department of Transportation, as some of the required flood control improvements will likely need to be placed in the COOT right-of-way. On the 4th of August 2005, OMID personnel met with Mr. Toby L. Brown and Mr. Brad Brophy from the COOT Grand Junction office. COOT is currently planning to re-design and re-construct 1-70 from the existing curve at Rapid Creek to the east bound 1-70 on- ramp from US-6. This work will involve re-design and relocation of the canal, and funds have been provided for the instigation of the design this year. The actual construction time will be dependent upon the results of upcoming State of Colorado referendums, but it is currently scheduled for construction in 2008. A meeting was also conducted at this time with Mr. Dan Crabtree and Mr. Bob Major of the USBR to discuss the Feasibility Study and to discuss the Bureau's involvement in any modifications to the facilities. The Bureau position was for the OMID to prepare plans and specifications for the rehabilitation/modifications, which they would then review and approve from within their Grand Junction office. 2616-R1 Orchard Mesa Irrigation District Water Management Consultants