WSP01244

• File Number: 8240.200.10.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Annual Report
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 4/9/2003
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: 2002 Annual Reports Package Part 1
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

COLORADO RIVER RECOVERY PROGRAM
FY 2002 ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT

RECOVERY PROGRAM
PROJECT NUMBER: C-ll

1. Project Title: Grand Valley Project Water Management

II.

Principal Investigator( s):

Bob Norman
Bureau of Reclamation
2764 Compass Drive, Suite 106
Grand Junction, CO 81506
[phone], FAX [phone]
[e-mail]

III. Project Summary: Through canal system modification and the corresponding
management options, develop a water supply alternative for the IS-Mile Reach of the
Colorado River.

IV. Study Schedule: Project started with non-Recovery Program funds in 1992. Construction
is scheduled for completion in FY2004.

V. Relationship to RIPRAP: Colorado River Action Plan: Mainstem LA.3.c.(3)(f)

)

VI. Accomplishment ofFY 02 Tasks and Deliverables: A contract was awarded by the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Grand Valley Water Users Association
(GVWUA) for the canal automation improvements and several minor canal
improvements. Due to delays in securing project funding and the resulting delay in the
contract between the Foundation and GVWUA, work on the canal automation system
was only partially completed. The Grand Valley Water Users Association was able to
use the check structures in manual mode to reduce canals diversions. GVWUA and
Orchard Mesa Irrigation District's efforts were instrumental in stretching upstream
storage in the extremely dry year. Although the combined water rights of GVWUA;
Orchard Mesa Irrigation, Palisade and Mesa, County Irrigation Districts is 1,620 cfs, they
operated with less than 1,400 cfs from about July I and less than 1,100 cfs starting about
August 22. This was not without impacts to irrigation requirements. The automation
became operational in the very late irrigation season and will be operational for the 2003
irrigation season.

The decision was made to characterize the use of High line Reservoir for the pumping
plant storage as a lease of storage space. As a Federal action, this constitutes a real estate
action and requires an appraisal. Reclamation commissioned an independent appraiser to
perform the appraisal. The appraised amount was below the amount the Management
Committee's agreed upon amount. The State of Colorado is reviewing the appraisal.

VII. Recommendations: Need to fmalize lease for the use of Highline Reservoir.

VIII. Project Status: Attempting to catch up from delays in project start due to delays in
funding.