The colorado RIO grande restoration foundation (CRGRF), in partnership with SAN luis valley irrigation district (SLVID), will improve the diversion infrastructure associated with the farmers union…

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $2,214,625 WaterSMART (CFDA 15.507) grant to The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation (CRGRF), in partnership with the San Luis Valley Irrigation District, to improve diversion infrastructure on the Farmers Union Canal and Rio Grande 1 Ditch near Del Norte, CO. The project aims to construct a new multi-benefit diversion structure that will provide safe fish and boat passage, enhance aquatic and riparian habitat, and deliver reliable irrigation water to multiple ditches. Key project components include upgrading headgates, increasing water delivery efficiency, and reducing maintenance needs for the critical agricultural water infrastructure. This project was identified in the Rio Grande Stream Management Plan as a collaborative effort to balance agricultural, environmental, recreational, and community needs in the watershed.

The colorado RIO grande restoration foundation (CRGRF), in partnership with SAN luis valley irrigation district (SLVID), will improve the diversion infrastructure associated with the farmers union canal (FUC) and RIO grande 1 ditch, located near DEL norte, CO, to meet agricultural, environmental, recreational, and community needs. The FUC and RIO grande 1S diversion structures and headgates represent critical water infrastructure, delivering water to twelve irrigation ditches. However, this infrastructure creates a barrier to fish, is hazardous for boaters, and requires frequent maintenance. The farmers union multi-benefit diversion infrastructure improvement PROJECT (PROJECT) will construct a new diversion structure that will provide safe fish and boat passage, enhance aquatic and riparian habitat, and deliver water to the FUC, RIO grande 1, and multiple other ditches. The PROJECT has been carefully designed to create passage for fish, including native small-bodied fish such as RIO grande chub, and to create safe boat passage. IT will also benefit agricultural water users by reducing maintenance needs and increasing water delivery reliability and efficiency through headgate upgrades, including automation. This PROJECT was identified in the RIO grande stream management plan, a collaborative and stakeholder-driven planning effort.