GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded an $8.6 million contract for construction of the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District’s regulating reservoir on behalf of the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. The contract was awarded to Kissner General Contractors, Inc. from Cedaredge, Colorado.
Construction of the 74 acre-foot regulating reservoir on Orchard Mesa, Colorado, is the next feature to be built on the OMID’s Canal System’s Improvement Project. Major features of the project include: construction of the regulating reservoir, upgraded check structures in canals, installation of remote monitoring systems, replacement of some open earth laterals with pressurized pipeline, and improved operational procedures.
The improvements will provide a more reliable water supply throughout the canal system and conserve approximately 17,000 acre-feet per year. This water will also benefit endangered fishes, wildlife, and river recreation in the important “15-Mile" reach of the Colorado River downstream of Palisade, Colorado.
Construction on the regulating reservoir will begin in spring 2016 and be completed in spring 2017.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation