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 at 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 7.25% interest rate over 30 years. The project scope included
construction of a new 80,000-gallon storage tank system, well pump installation, control building,
chlorination facilities, valving, telemetry system, and a transmission line to the storage tanks.
A contract with Jorgensen Engineering was negotiated by the district for project design and
construction administration services. The WWDC funding legislation provided for a reversion date
of July 1, 2001. There was 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
which required amending the project legislation in 2001 to extend the reversion date to July 2005.
Construction of the project was started in August 2002, with final completion and Forest Service
acceptance of site restoration work in December 2003.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.