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<br />results from inefficient irrigation water management on individual <br />farms, high canal seepage losses in the upper reaches of the system and <br />deteriorated control structures. Because of excessive water losses in <br />the irrigation delivery system,few farm owners have been willing or <br />able to invest in land treatment improvements. The average ten-year <br />loss of water in the upper reaches of the delivery system is forty-nine <br />percent. During the period 1964-69, the number of farms in Costilla <br />County declined about forty-five percent. Welfare payments in the <br />county on a per capita basis are quite high. However, crop production <br />in the county could increase greatly through a more efficient use of <br />the available water supplies" <br />Current status <br />In February of 1974, the Trinchera Irrigation Company submitted an <br />application to this board for assistance in the construction of a proj- <br />ect which would improve irrigation efficiency in the project area. <br />Subsequently, a detailed study was undertaken by the Soil Conservation <br />Service and a specific project was formulated. This summary is based <br />largely upon the feasibility report prepared by the Soil Conservation <br />Service. The proposed project, growing out of that report, is being <br />sponsored jointly by the Trinchera Irrigation Company, the Mount Blanca <br />Soil Conservation District, the Costilla County Board of Commissioners <br />and the Colorado State Soil Conservation Board. The study includes an <br />evaluation of the existing situation and determines the necessary <br />improvements to solve the problem. <br />Proposed project <br />The purpose of the project plan is to improve irrigation water use <br />efficiency, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce operation and maintenance <br /> <br />, -2- <br />