38.  PROJECT:    Goshen Irrigation Improvement
     LEVEL:      New Application
     SPONSOR:    Goshen Irrigation District
     LOCATION:   Goshen County
     PROGRAM:    Rehabilitation

     PROJECT INFORMATION:
     The project is located in central Goshen County just south of 
     the North Platte River.  The project area covers 52,484 acres with 
     355 irrigators.  The project would include a feasibility analysis of 
     installing remote canal level monitors within the main canal and 
     several laterals.  In addition, the installation of automated gates 
     on spillways would be investigated along with lining portions of the 
     main canal and laterals.  Further, recommendations for converting open, 
     unlined waste-ways into piped conveyances would be made and previous 
     reports completed on alternatives to the existing silt run would be 
     reviewed and cost estimates updated.  Cost estimates and preliminary 
     designs for these project components would be prepared and a financing 
     plan would be developed as part of the study.  Finally, an economic 
     evaluation of the Goshen Irrigation District's (GID) ability to repay 
     existing and additional debt will be completed.

     The budget reflects additional work that may be needed to address 
     Endangered Species Memoranda of Agreement, North Platte lawsuit, and 
     Clean Water Act (Sections 402, 404) concerns.

     When constructed, the improvements will reduce seepage losses in canals 
     and laterals and enable GID to better account for water spilled back to 
     the North Platte, water gained from precipitation and runoff into the 
     canals, and water conveyed to the Gering Fort Laramie Irrigation District 
     in Nebraska.

     RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
     The WWDC recommends that the project be incorporated into the Rehabilitation 
     Program at Level II status with an appropriation of $75,000.

1999 Legislative Report Table of Contents
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