PROJ00434

• Contract/PO #: C153337
• Contractor Name: Farmers Extension Ditch & Highland Lake Lateral Company
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 1
• County: Weld
• Bill Number: FSA
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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PROJECT SUMMARY

The current Highland Lateral and Farmers Extension Irrigation Ditch is earthen,

It was built in the late 1800's when sophisticated hydraulic and agricultural

techniques had not been developed. At that time, farmers were grateful to receive

a steady source of water for irrigation purposes and thought little of the water

they lost to seepage. In the face of rising prices of water, the demand put on

the farming community by an increasing population, the loss of suitable farming

acreage due to expanding developments, and increased competition for the rights

and use of water by farmers and cities alike; it had become economically advan-

tageous to rehabilitate irrigation ditches to reduce delivery times and water

losses. We have prepared this report to evaluate the present condition of the

Highland Lateral and Farmers Irrigation Ditch, determine whether rehabilitation

will substantially improve the condition and usefulness of the ditch, and present

recommendations for an orderly process of reconstruction.

After a detailed evaluation of the current ditch condition, we have concluded that

rehabilitation of the ditch is necessary. We have concluded that concrete lining

the ditch is the best rehabilitation alternative based on present and future needs

and conditions, There are certain sections of the ditch in which we have recom-

mended that reinforced concrete pipe be installed, All of our recommendations

are made in the absence of a complete drainage and soils report. Therefore, site

specific problems will have to be addressed during the design of each section or

in a separate report. Construction costs have been estimated for all recommended

improvements and are presented herein.

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