Watershed Work Plan for Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention West Cherry Creek Watershed

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- 13 - BENEFITS FROM WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT The combined program of land treatment and structural measures described above will reduce the average annual floodwater, sediment, and erosion damages from 4$32,110 to $13,418, a reduction of 58.2 per cent. About 95.7 per cent of the expected reduction in the average annual floodwater, sediment, and erosion damages will accrue to the structures and 4.3 per cent to needed land treatment measures. The value of the restoration and maintenance of ground water table is estimated to be x$400 annually. Benefits were evaluated and claimed only within the watershed. There are additional downstream benefits which will accrue from the proposed structural program; however, these benefits have not been evaluated. COMPARISON OF BENEFITS AND COSTS The average annual cost of the structural measures is estimated to be x$12,294. I°Jhen these works of improvement are completely installed, they will produce estimated average annual benefits of $18,282. This will result in estimated benefits of $1,,49 to each dollar of cost ( Table 8). Long -term projected prices were used to determine annual damages and project operation and maintenance costs. Current prices (1958) were used for installation costs. Public Law 566 and other costs were amortized at 2 1 2 per cent interest for a 50 -year period. ACCOMPLISHING THE PLAN Federal assistance for carrying out the works of improvement, as described in this work plan, will be provided under the Authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public Law 566, 83d Congress; 68 Stat. 666, as amended by the Act of August 7, 1956, Public Law 1018, 84th Congress; 70 Stat. 1088). The Extension Service will carry out the educational phase of the program. Other Federal and state agencies concerned will assist in establishing the works of improvement. Land Treatment Measures Land treatment measures itemized in Table 1 will be established on the land by farmers and ranchers in cooperation with the Cherry Creek Soil Conservation District. The cost of applying these measures will be borne by the owners and operators of the land. Planned Land treatment measures will be established in conformity with the Colorado State Engineer's requirements and State Water Law. The Soil Conservation Service and the Forest Service will provide $21,500 for additional technicians to assist farmers and ranchers of the Cherry Creek Soil Conservation District in intensifying and speeding -up the planning and application of land treatment measures. The Colorado State Forest Service will provide technical assistance for forestry phases of the project. Colorado State Game and Fish Department will provide assistance in the installation of wildlife area improvements.