PROJ00223

• Contract/PO #: C153723
• Contractor Name: Orchard Mesa Irrigation District
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 0
• County: Mesa
• Bill Number: HB 95-1155
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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B. STUDY OBJECTIVE

At this time, NRCS has proposed to upgrade the Mutual Mesa Lateral by
installing a pipeline along the alignment of the existing ditch, Final design drawings
have been prepared for this purpose. NRCS will provide approximately $400,000 under
their cost sharing formula, CWCB will assist in cost sharing through a low interest loan.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the NRCS design for the CWCB and determine
if it is the most cost effective solution for correcting the problems on the Mutual Mesa
Lateral. For salinity control projects, NRCS has certain criteria which they must follow
to determine if the project is cost effective, and these criteria will also be considered in
this evaluation.

Alternatives which will be reviewed as part of this study include the following:

A. Structural

1. Upgrade the Mutual Mesa Lateral using a pipeline system to convey
water.

2. Upgrade the Mutual Mesa Lateral using an open, reinforced concrete
ditch.

B. Non-Structural

3. Take no action; continue use of the Mutual Mesa Lateral as it is,

A secondary purpose of this study is to review the procedures followed by OMID
in their contract with NRCS to determine if they are in compliance with the Bylaws of
the District and the applicable State and Federal regulations, A local citizens' group has
expressed some concern that the project may be in violation of Bylaws, and this aspect
will be reviewed as part of this study. They have written several letters to NRCS,
CWCB, and OMID outlining specific items on the project with which they disagree. The
claims made by the citizens' group can be summarized as follows into five categories.

1. Misapplication of Water Right~, Claims made include:

a. Since OMID water rights are for irrigation, it is not appropriate to
serve urbanized areas (even for lawn and garden irrigation).

b. The water rights were adjudicated for the single purpose of growing
food and fiber.

c. Irrigation water is to be used only for the purpose of growing crops
for profit and no other usage.

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