PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Porto Canal Irrigation District serves approximately 1,000 irrigated
acres. A Level II feasibility study evaluated the feasibility of
replacing the canal with a pipeline to eliminate ditch losses and
convert the system to a gravity pressure system.
The current canal system, which is over 30 years old, has obvious
erosion and delivery loss problems. The system requires numerous pumps
at selected points along the system to complete the transmission of the
irrigation water to certain sections of the irrigated lands. The canal
users would like to develop and implement a long term rehabilitation
plan for the canal and the overall system. A closed, gravity transmission
system would greatly reduce their delivery losses and eliminate the
need for individual pumping stations.
In 1994, a Level II study was completed. The Level II study found that
a pipeline could be constructed at a cost of approximately $20 per acre
per year to the users. The project would make the irrigation system
more efficient and would result in water savings. In 1995, the project
sponsors formed an irrigation district. The district has provided a
signed petition, with one-hundred percent of the district members
supporting the project.
The project was approved by the 1996 legislature. Legal documents,
elections, consultant contracts and design were all completed in 1996.
Construction began in the fall of 1996 and will continue up to spring
runoff. The project will be completed in 1997.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.
