PROJECT INFORMATION:
The project is located east of Saratoga within the proposed
Highline Watershed Improvement District. The purpose of the
Level II study was to address problems associated with erosion
of several ditches. Head cut has not stabilized and is working
upstream towards a concrete diversion structure. The county
has moved the road once because of the danger and may have to
move it again. The ditches are 30 plus feet deep and have
combined because of the bank erosion.
A large number of irrigated acres are dependent on this water
delivery system. This area produces 2 to 3 tons of hay per
irrigated acre and also supplies a large amount of forage for
spring and fall grazing as well a considerable amount of forage
for area wildlife. The irrigation water delivery system is being
threatened. A structure such as a pipe-drop is needed to prevent
further erosion. Preliminary design work on this has been done
in the past.
In 1999 the legislature approved $50,000 to evaluate the current
condition of the Highline Ditch and other ditches in the irrigation
system. The consultant, Anderson Consulting Engineers, Inc.,
determined that a set of new ditches with a series of drop structures
in each would be the best option for the district to save their
ditches.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the project be advanced into the
Rehabilitation Program at Level III with an appropriation of
$726,000. The financing plan includes a 50% grant for $363,000 and
a loan for $363,000 at 6.0% for 20 years.
