PROJECT INFORMATION:
This project consists of rehabilitation of the South Crow Diversion Dam located approximately 20
miles west of Cheyenne. The city of Cheyenne constructed the dam in 1911 to impound and divert
the flows of South Crow Creek for municipal use. Depending upon the time of the year, it is
estimated that 0 to 3 mgd can be diverted to Cheyenne's water system.
During the past several years, the city has not relied upon the waters of the system and the dam has
developed several structural problems, with numerous leaks through the dam and severe concrete
sloughing at various locations. As Cheyenne grows, and the use of both potable and raw water also
grow and the need for additional water also increases. The city may want to place System Control
and Data Acquisition and metering upgrades on the South Crow Dam and Reservoir along with the
dam and reservoir rehabilitation. In 1999 the legislature approved $80,000 to evaluate the current
condition of the South Crow Diversion Dam and to evaluate the rehabilitation options to bring the
dam up to current standards. The time needed to test the dam conditions and the surrounding area
requires a two year program which will be completed in the summer of 2000.
In 2000 the Commission recommended phasing the project. The first phase is the final design of the
project with a cost of $70,000 and phase two is actual construction of the project which was
estimated at approximately $1,096,000. This was due to the limited funds for year 2001.
During the design phase of this project, several site difficulties were encountered. They include:
land ownership; wet lands; and, endangered species. This has resulted in an increased total estimated
construction cost of $1,430,000. The total project cost including the design, permitting and
mitigation, access and right-of-way, and construction will be $1,500,000.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be continued at Level III in the Rehabilitation Program with an
additional appropriation of 430,000 for construction of the project. The financing plan includes an
additional 50% grant of 715,000 and 50% from other sources.