PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Hugus-Mullison Ditch runs northerly through the western part of Saratoga and conveys
irrigation water to users in and north of Saratoga. Urban surface water runoff from the developed
area west of the ditch and the airport drains into the ditch, which causes it to also function as a
storm sewer. There are two manually controlled ditch overflows that can divert water from the
ditch to the North Platte River. The ditch appears to be leaking and contributing to the problems
of adjoining buildings, property and streets.
In 1999 the WWDC conducted a Level I reconnaissance study of the ditch that evaluated the
entire system within the town, investigated alternatives and recommended needed improvements.
The needs of the community and the ditch owners/users were addressed in this study. The
irrigation water users formed the Hugus Watershed Improvement District in 1999, the district is
the sponsor for the Level II project.
The Hugus Watershed Improvement District would like to move forward with the recommended
improvements to the Hugus-Mullison Ditch as recommended in the Level II study completed in
2000. The district would like to pursue phases 1 and 2 of a 5 phase rehabilitation project. Phase 1
consists primarily of replacing box culverts at street crossings to increase flow capacity and Phase
2 focuses on providing a concrete lining in portions of the ditch where leakage is most prevalent.
Construction of this project continued during 2002 and will be complete early in 2003.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.