PROJECT INFORMATION:
The WWDC staff prepared a Level I study in 1996 that inventoried the existing system, evaluated water
supply needs, and evaluated water supply alternatives for the water users in the Buffalo Valley area.
Preliminary plans and cost estimates were developed for the identified alternatives and a preferred
alternative was selected. In 1997 a Level II study was performed to drill a test well and test the well
performance and prepare conceptual designs and cost estimates . The well was successfully completed
in 1997 for a cost of $15,561.
The Buffalo Valley Water District received a 1998 grant and loan appropriation in the amount of
$475,000 from Water Development Account I. The grant is for 60% of the WWDC eligible project
costs with a 40% loan at a 71/4% interest rate over 30 years. The project scope includes construction
of a new 80,000 gallon storage tank system, well pumping, control building, chlorination facilities,
valving, telemetry system, and a transmission line to the storage tanks.
A contract with Jorgensen Engineering has been negotiated by the district for project design and
construction administration services. The WWDC funding legislation provides for a reversion date of
July 1, 2001. There has been a substantial project time delay owing to the issuance of a U.S.
Department of Agriculture - Forest Service Special Use Permit for the storage tank system site. The only
properly engineered location for the storage system is on Forest Service land. The district has used due
diligence in pursuing the Forest Service's authorization to construct the storage system at that location.
After two years of effort the Forest Service issued the Special Use Permit on August 28, 2000.
Construction of the storage tank system and transmission line will not be able to proceed until the next
construction season which is anticipated to be around May 1, 2001. The Sponsor is therefore requesting
the extension of the project reversion date until December 1, 2001.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
It is recommended that the reversion date be extended one year which would be July 1, 2002 to ensure
that all project components are properly constructed and placed into operation.
