Project purpose objective: the primary purpose and objective of the upstream operational reservoir storage project is to maximize imperial irrigation districts water management efficiency within the…

Project purpose objective: the primary purpose and objective of the upstream operational reservoir storage project is to maximize imperial irrigation districts water management efficiency within the imperial valley, up to 365,000 acre-feet annually, with a successful outcome of an augmented water conservation yield of 15,000 acre-feet per year for in-valley use. These objectives are particularly critical toward climate change resiliency, considering colorado river water is imperial valleys sole source of water supply and that hydrological conditions at the colorado river basin level are projected to continue to decline due to prolonged drought. Activities to be performed: with funding assistance from reclamation, and using environmental and technical studies completed to date by the district, IID proposes to finalize the environmental assessment, design drawings, permitting and construction of the proposed upstream operational reservoir. Activities to be performed include the acquisition of land to accommodate a 3.1-mile-long intake channel leading to the 526-acre reservoir basin site already owned by IID.deliverables: final environmental documents for national environmental policy act and california environmental quality act compliance will be prepared for public distribution and lead agency certification design drawings will be procured and completed for the solicitation of the operational reservoir construction phase and, a 2,100 acre-feet capacity, operational reservoir will be constructed on IID owned property, upstream of its in-valley water distribution system. The operational reservoir will be operated with automated gate structures and control in-flow and outflow remotely from iids water control center.expected outcome and benefits: the proposed project is expected to yield an augmented water supply of 15,000 acre feet per year for the life-span of the project (50 years) without an impact to local water rates, supporting reliable and continued water supply deliveries to six cities, two special districts and one private water company for the treatment and distribution to its customer base. The new water supply will benefit in-valley development and natural growth of an approximate population of 180,000, predominantly economically-disadvantaged and disenfranchised minorities. These efforts support a fragile economy where the median household income is 46,222, the per capita income is 18,064 and the poverty level is reported at 18.1 percent (source: US census bureau, quick facts, july 1, 2021).policy contributions: federal funding for this proposed project would be consistent with executive order (EO) 13985, advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government.