WSP04698 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1-" In addition, the costs associated with improvements to the c.~ Uncompahgre project irrigation system which benefit both the tv salinity control program and the irrigators could potentially be ~ shared by utilizing: 1) salinity control program funding; 2) a reimbursable R&B loan obtained by the UVWUA; and, 3) potentially, the reuse of-saved water. By sharing costs and incorpora~1ng tbe uVwuA's cost efficiencies, the implementation of the five deferred salinity control components on the ~e of the uncompahgre River might become cost effective-wnen-compared to other candidate salinity control projects. Financial -resources for project implementation could potentially -be obtained from the Federal Government's salinity control program, -the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund, the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund, the UVWUA and possibly, an undefined beneficiarv of tho ~aved w~ter. ~ C. Results of-the Appraisal study . The November~A~~raisal Report resulting from the Uncompahgre Project-~~tr ~_Study demonstrated the potential to combine funding from the salinity-control program with a reimbursable Rehabilitation and Betterment (R&B) loan, and force account construction methods to achieve financial feasibility for the deferred components of the LGBU authorized plan. Cost effe~tiveness values of less than $100 per ton of salinity reduction were displayed. This study relied on indexed cost estimates_ and the salinity loadings and anticipated salinity reductions developed in the LGBU Feasibility Study/Final EIS. Further reductions in cost effectiveness value were said to be possible if a use for saved water resulting from such improvements could -be identified and some monetary benefit received~ Project beneficiaries would be the salinity control program and the UVWUA who would obtain a modern, low maintenance system. The five deferred components were expected to prevent approximately 60,000 tons of salt from entering the Colorado River Basin system annually. The Appraisal Report recommended a detailed planning study of the Uncompahgre Retrofit concept to answer questions, make refinements, gather additional data and perform the studies needed to determine if the study concept would be feasible. D. status of sO/JU study A feasibility-level investigation termed the Uncompahgre Project System Optimization/Joint Use Study was initiated in FY 90. The plan of study concentrates on activities necessary to perform a deta{led financial re-analysis of the five deferred components of the LGBU authorized plan and to re-analyze . . .