CT2015-174 Feasibility Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. To have perpetual succession 2. To acquire water,water rights and real property 3. To acquire facilities for the purpose of providing use of water 4. To make and enforce rules regarding the distribution of water 5. To borrow money and incur indebtedness 6. To manage the business of the district 7. To hire and retain agents,employees,engineers and attorneys 8. To levy assessments The Uncompahgre Valley is a high mountain desert with rainfall averaging less than 10 inches per year. Average high temperatures are 87 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows are 15 degrees. The growing season in the UPA extends from approximately April 1 to October 31. The soils in the project area are largely deep red and gray soils that overlay sandstone or shale and lie west of the Uncompahgre River. These soils are classified as Mesa soils (approximately 56,953 acres). Other soils are gray and/or light brown adobe type soils that lie east of the Uncompahgre River. These soils are classified as Adobe soils (approximately 27,278 acres). The irrigable area is a broad flat river valley with some adobe hills adjacent to the valley on the eastside of the river and wide flat mesas west of the river valley. The area economy is based mostly on crop production of alfalfa hay, small grains,row crops, and pasture that supports the local beef and sheep industry. Principal crops produced within the area include corn,sweet corn,alfalfa,beans,peppers, onions, broccoli, potatoes, apples, pears, cherries, apricots, grass hay, pasture forages, wheat, barley, and oats. Livestock operations include beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, hogs,horses,and chickens. Hydrology and Water Rights The UPA draws water from the Uncompahgre River and from the Gunnison River. Water from the Gunnison River is brought to the UPA via a 5.8 mile long trans- mountain tunnel (Gunnison Tunnel) which begins at the East Portal 1 %x miles below Crystal Reservoir and feeds the South Canal which exits to the Uncompahgre River. The UPA includes mesa and valley land at elevations ranging between 5,000 and 6,200 feet above sea level. Water is delivered to approximately 85,000 irrigated acres with approximately 3,500 shareholders utilizing water for irrigation (agricultural and municipal), stock water, and power generation. The UVWUA projects a water demand of approximately 865,574 ac-ft.for 2015 (2005-2014 average diversion). Water resources serving the UPA include the 1913 Gunnison Tunnel Water Right from the Gunnison River(13(k cfs),the 1882 Uncompahgre River Right(1225.64 cfs),and the 1937 Taylor Park Reservoir Storage Right of 106,230 ac-ft. Total direct flow water rights are therefore 2,525.64 cfs(See Table 1). 3