WSP03132 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . ~ - ,03 .o.\Ot. LAVACA FLATS UNIT' The potential Lavaca Flats Unit is located in the Niobrara River Basin in Northwestern Nebraska, about 10 mi les southeast of Gordon. The Bureau of Reclamation investigated this project as part of a basin study. Current Status A feasibi I ity report was prepared on this project by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1956. No authorization or construction funding was sought because local interest diminished. Before further steps toward construction can be taken, firm indications of local interest and support must be evident. I f interest and support is again demonstrated then this unit must be authorized by the Congress and funds made avai lable before construction could begin. Description of Proiect Area The Lavaca Flats Unit has topography suitable for irrigation development. Pronounced drainageways afforded excel lent drainage from the arable lands into the Niobrara River. Precipitation in the basin varies greatly in amount and distribution. The average annual precipitation is 17 inches of which about ao percent is received during the Apri I through October irrigation season. The economy of the area is primari Iy agricultural with cattle, hay and forage sorghum being the leading farm commodities. Extent of Project Investiqations After public interest was expressed regarding irrigation of this area, the Bureau of Reclamation made a comprehensive investigation of the land and water resources of the Niobrara River Basin as described in a report published in 1953. The Bureau prepared a feasibi lity report on the Lavaca Flats Unit in September, 1956. Plan Features The plan for the Lavaca Flats Unit involves construction of a pumping plant, a main supply canal, distribution laterals, and a drainage system. These faci lities would I ift Niobrara River water a height of 110 feet and deliver it to 2,270 acres. The pumping plant would be located on the Niobrara River about 10 mi les southeast of Gordon. The Lavaca Flats canal would and wi I I have an initial capacity length would distribute the water extend I 1.5 mi les from the pumping plant to the project of 42 c.f.s. Four small laterals total ing 3.4 mi les in throughout the irrigable area. lands Proiect Benefits A sma I I direct benefit, in addition to irrigation, would accrue to wi Idl ife from the increased habitat cover due to the development of this project. Remaininq Water Resource Problems and Needs Erosion is a severe problem in this area and extensive land treatment is necessary. Sediment bedload is quite high in the Niobrara River. Project Costs The total cost of this project would be $1,250,700. The local irrigators' share would total $339,200 and be repaid over a 40-year period. The only function cost involved under the present proposal is irrigation. , 1!Lavaca Flats Unit, Nebraskarr, Upper Niobrara Division Project, Sept. 1956. write: Area Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Island, Nebraska. For information, 4-1