Two related irrigation projects in the Huntsville area were presented together. Ethan (division staff) reported that Co‑op Farm Irrigation Company has completed funding requirements and seeks a revolving construction fund committal. The total project cost is $1,994,000, and the board portion would be $348,000 (about 17.5%); staff recommended 0% interest over 15 years with annual payments around $23,200.
Brad (division staff) presented the linked Huntsville Southbench Canal Company project, which is partnered with Co‑op Farm; it would replace open conveyance with approximately 18,400 feet of HDPE, construct a diversion structure and upgrade turnouts with meters. Staff said the Huntsville project is expected to conserve about 150 acre‑feet that can be used later in the irrigation season and increase conveyance efficiency from about 80% to near 100%. The board portion for Huntsville was reported at 16.1% up to $320,000, at 0% interest over 15 years.
Both presenters noted multiple grants supporting the projects. Ethan said the 2025 UDAF water optimization grant that had been pending at authorization has now been awarded, removing a funding uncertainty; the projects also have other federal and state grant components.
Board members asked whether the pressurization projects would change overall diversion or depletion. Brad and Ethan said the applicants expect to divert the same amount but to use more of the diverted water (increase efficiency), which could increase consumptive depletions; staff said specific depletion numbers were not yet available and would be developed through the change/feasibility process.
Why it matters: Pressurization and metering projects generally improve conveyance efficiency, reduce losses from open canals and can change consumptive use patterns. The projects combine multiple funding sources and therefore required staff to confirm that costs and grants remained separate and appropriately allocated.
What happens next: Staff will bring formal committal requests consistent with the prior authorization and grant awards and will follow up on technical questions about depletion accounting and grant phasing as the projects move toward contracting and construction.