Rio Grande - Manassa Conejos River & N Branch Stabilization_Contract

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Exhibit A Scope of Work WATER ACTIVITY NAME -Conejos River & North Branch Diversion & Stabilization GRANT RECIPIENT -Manassa Land & Irrigation FUNDING SOURCE -Basin and Stateside Accounts INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The Conejos River is a tributary to the upper Rio Grande River; it rises at the Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains. The river flows through Platoro Reservoir, continuing through Conejos until it reaches the Rio Grande River 2 miles north the settlement of Los Sauces. At the point that the river crosses highway 285, 1-'/4 miles north of Antonito, there is a bifurcation, locally known as the core. The core is almost 100 years old, and is in need of reconstruction. This diversion structure is used to split and balance the flow of water into the main channel of the river and the north branch of the river. Consequently, the core is instrumental to both channels of the river. The diversion structure is composed of four, eight foot wheel and stem headgates, which need to be manually operated by way of a18" plank catwalk over the river. This control structure is unsafe. In addition, Due to the narrow headgates the system suffers continual plug ups causing operational difficulty. Bank erosion is also a problem that the channels are facing. Erosion above this point affects all the water users down stream on both channels. There are 42 ditch companies on the main and north channels of the Conejos River. Twelve of these ditch companies rely upon the north branch diversion to irrigate a total of 22,204 " acres. The north branch channel joins the main channel east of Manassa, returning any excess water back to the river to contribute to the compact obligation. Without the proper bank stabilization all of these companies can loose a portion of their water. The State Engineer of the state of Colorado also uses the main channel of the river to deliver its compact obligation to down stream states. If the riverbank continues to push north, leaving the channel, it will not reach the gaging station at Los Sauces. In addition to the loss of water, without river bank stabilization, there is a threat of flooding for agricultural communities of Conejos and the town of Manassa. It is for these reasons that we believe that is time to stabilize the channel and reconstruct the core. In this proposal Manassa Land & Irrigation is requesting funds to address and remedy the issues associated with the main and north channels diversions of the Conejos River. OBJECTIVES Meet agricultural demands-improve ability to supply water to irrigated acres. Meet the Rio Grande Compact requirements by reducing water losses Reduce liabilities due to the threat of flooding Provide operational safety Provide for enhanced riparian habitat Enhance aquifer recharge Protect fisheries wildlife and enhance recreation opportunities