WSP00020

• File Number: 8276.130
• Description: Grand Valley Unit-Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 6/10/1985
• Title: Formal Organizations for Operation of Laterals In the Grand Valley Unit of the Colorado Basin Salinity Control Project
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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The Grand Junction Drainage District.

The Grand Junction Drainage District was established by an act

of the Legislature in 1923. Section 37-31-102, C.R.S. The Act

provided for construction of drainage works for the protection of

urban and rural property to promote the health, comfort, safety,

convenience, and welfare of the people residing or owning property

within the district. Section 37-31-101, C.R.S.

The purposes of the district do not specifically include the

operation of a transportation system for irrigation water. In

addition, the statute creating the district contc,ins no provision

for the charging of tolls or fees for delivery of water but,

instead, provides for the raising of revenue needed by the

District from property taxes. Section 37-31-137, C.R.S. For these

reasons we do not believe that either the Grand ,[unction drainage

District or a new drainage district formed under Section

37-20-101, C.R.S. would be a suitable vehicle for construction,

operation and maintenance of the Laterals.

4. The Mesa County Soil Conservation District.

Soil conversation districts are formed under the Colorado Soil

Conservation Act. Sections 35-70-101 et seq., C.R.S. The primary

purpose of the districts (as appears throughout ":he Act) is to

prevent the erosion of soils or lands by reason of wind or water

or any other cause. Sections 35-70-102 and 108, C.R.S. The Act

does not contemplate either the operation and maintenance of

laterals for distribution of irrigation water or the charging of

tolls or fees for such services. The only provision for the

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