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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Feasibility Study Orchard Mesa Irrigation District Replacement of Stokes Gulch Siphon Introduction (Need for the Project) The Orchard Mesa Irrigation District operates the system for the benefit of landowners on the south side of the Colorado River by providing direct flow irrigation water on a demand basis. The District receives diverted water from the Grand Valley Water Users Association at the Roller Dam located in Debeque Canyon and water deliveries begin at the Colorado River Siphon 3 miles downstream from the dam through the Power Canal. The Stokes Gulch Siphon is an important part ofthe Power Canal, built in 1920. It is rapidly deteriorating, leaking badly and has exposed rebar that is separating. The District wishes to replace this siphon. Photographs of the siphon are included in Appendix B. Project Sponsor The Orchard Mesa Irrigation District was organized in 1904 and became a part of the Federal Grand Valley Project in 1922. The District operates under the 1921 Irrigation Act. District By-Laws are included in Appendix E. The District has the power to levy annual assessments, however, requires landowner approval to enter into loan agreements over $20,000. A landowner meeting is scheduled for February 24,2006 to present the project and request the necessary vote to give permission to the Board of Directors to enter into a loan agreement with the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Project Service Area and Facilities The District serves a mesa on the south side of the Colorado River in the Grand Valley, Mesa County, known as Orchard Mesa. The area is approximately seventeen miles long and one to three miles wide and covers 9200 acres from east of the Town of Palisade to the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. An area known as "the Vinelands" is also under District water east of Palisade. Facilities include the Colorado River Siphon in Debeque Canyon, a power canal, a pumphouse and two pump stations, two irrigation canals and one pressurized pipeline. A map of the District's service area is included in Appendix C. Hydrology and Water Rights The District owns excellent senior water rights on the Colorado River. (See Appendix F.) These rights include 460.2 cfs (450 cfs priority 1907 and 10.2 priority 1898) for irrigation and pumping purposes diverted at the Grand Valley Diversion Dam and 14 cfs (priority Orchard Mesa Irrigation District Feasibility Study Stokes Gulch Siphon Page 6