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For the last 10 years the operation activity has averaged: <br />Year <br /># of Events <br />Average Duration <br />2010 <br />1 <br />45 min. <br />2009 <br />4 <br />38 min. <br />2008 <br />13 <br />41 min. <br />2007 <br />23 <br />39 min. <br />2006 <br />19 <br />30 min. <br />2005 <br />7 <br />1 hr 20 min. <br />2004 <br />12 <br />52 min. <br />2003 <br />10 <br />1 hr 15 min. <br />2002 <br />7 <br />45 min. <br />2001 <br />33 <br />52 min. <br />4. The economic benefit provided by the hail cannons is to reduce the incidence of hail <br />damage to crops growing in the protected areas. The primary crops being protected in <br />order of their vulnerability to damage by hail are Spinach, Romaine Lettuce, Iceberg <br />Lettuce, and Carrots. Of utmost importance in marketing leafy vegetable crops is the <br />reliability of undamaged supply. For many years Colorado had a reputation of being <br />an unreliable supplier due to the high incidence of hail damage, especially to Spinach <br />where the slightest hail storm can damage the crop so as to make it unmarketable. <br />5. Southern Colorado Farms employs 30 plus employees year round and during the <br />summer will employ directly or through its subcontractors upwards of 150 persons. <br />This makes a significant positive impact on the economy of the San Luis Valley. Direct <br />production costs amount to around $2,500,000, most of which goes directly into the local <br />economy in the form of wages and purchases of fuel, fertilizers, chemicals and other <br />supplies. <br />6. The technical and scientific feasibility of this project has been demonstrated by fifteen <br />years of operation at this location. This technology is also being used other farming <br />operations in Colorado, California and Texas. Other locations using this technology <br />include car manufacturing plants and dealerships. <br />