WSP05094

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 2/1/1988
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River Unit
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

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3 - Individual onfarm pumping or other irrigation water management
practices will be done by each irrigator from water supply
canals, laterals, or reservoirs. No cooperative efforts by
irrigators are assumed; however, they may likely occur.

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4 - Pumping costs are based on placing approximately 2 acre-feet of
water per year on the fields to meet the water requirements of
the most common crops grown in the valley. Pumping costs are
based on information provided by the Bridger Valley Power
Company.

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Funding and Cost-Sharing Policy

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The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974 (PL-93-320) was
amended in 1984. The amendment was passed by the U.S. Congress and
signed into law on October 30, 1984, as PL-98-569. PL-98-569 states, in
part, that the federal cost-share level be limited to a maximum of
70 percent, unless the Secretary of Agriculture determines that such a
requirement would result in a failure to start needed onfarm measures.
A minimum of 30 percent cost sharing will be required from program
participants.

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As a result of this legislation, this Selected Plan has been developed
using a 70 percent federal and 30 percent local cost-share rate for
eligible conservation practices (see Table 4-1). One major item for
this project is the construction of a 3-phase power line into the
valley. The 3-phase power is needed to run individual onfarm irrigation
pumping stations. The cost of bringing power into the valley and to the
individual farm units is not eligible for federal cost-share assistance
under the USDA section of the law. Adding the power line cost to the
project shows the local landowners will be paying approximately
42 percent of the total project construction cost. Because of this
additional local cost, it is necessary for the irrigators to be able to
obtain low-interest or grant monies for their cost share of the project.
A letter from Governor Herschler states, in part, that "there are state
funds available to provide for loans to assist either the district or
individual irrigators who desire to participate in this project." (See
Appendix for letter from Governor's office dated August 20, 1985.) It
should be noted that this is not a precedence-setting position as other
water projects have been in part funded by the State of Wyoming with
low-interest or grant funds.

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The State has indicated that it wishes to investigate other opportunities
for funding assistance on the 3-phase power line installation through
other federal sources or from the utility company.

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An analysis was completed of potential sources available to the
irrigators to secure loans for their share of implementation costs.
Contacts were made with FmHA, FLB-PCA, Wyoming Economic Development and
Stabilization Board, Wyoming State Farm Loan Board, and the Wyoming
Water Development Commission. The results of interviews with officials
from these agencies and lending institutions indicate that all, except
the Wyoming Water Development Commission, have loan programs available
that could be utilized either individually or collectively.

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