PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Goshen Irrigation District delivers water to 52,484 acres, which is owned by approximately
355 farmers. The present assessment is $18.76/acre.
In 1992, the GID requested an evaluation of a small (1000 acre feet) re-regulating reservoir. The
reservoir was planned to be located on Horse Creek, upstream of siphon #4. A small reservoir at
this location would enable the district to better regulate delivery of water to lands at the end of the
system. In addition, a dam at this site would store water when storms allow water deliveries to be
reduced. At the present time, water in the canal is wasted when calls for irrigation water are no
longer needed because of rain. Six thousand (6,000) acre feet of water could be saved annually if
the reservoir was constructed.
The recently completed Level II study evaluated several alternate dam sites. The original site at
the Horse Creek Siphon was determined to be the most cost effective. Conceptual designs and
cost estimates were prepared. A final report was completed in December 1993.
Negotiations between the district and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Gering Fort Laramie Irrigation
District must be successfully completed if the project is to proceed. The district has decided to
postpone any further planning for this project until institutional constraints involving water rights
and wetland mitigation issues are resolved.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
It is recommended that the project be retained at Level II-Hold status.