PROJECT INFORMATION:
This project consists of the 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 South Crow Creek water for municipal use. Depending upon the time of the
year, it is estimated that up to 3 mgd can be utilized by the City of Cheyenne.
During the past several years, the city has not relied upon water which could be delivered by the
South Crow System. 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, 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 in addition to 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 acceptable standards.
In 2000 the Commission recommended phasing construction of the project. The first phase is the
final design with a cost of $70,000. The second phase is the actual construction of the project,
which was estimated at approximately $1,096,000. The phased approach was recommended
because of the lack of money in the Water Development accounts.
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 design, permitting and
mitigation, access and right-of-way, and construction will be $1,500,000. The legislature
provided the necessary funding in 2002.
The project design is continuing and construction is expected to be complete during the 2003
construction season.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action required.