The Utah Board of Water Resources approved two related projects to pressurize irrigation systems in the Huntsville area, committing a combined state share of up to $668,000 while splitting cost responsibilities among federal, state and local funding sources.

Staff presented RE495 for Co-op Farm Irrigation Company and RE496 for Huntsville South Bench Canal Company as coordinated projects that replace open canal conveyance with pressurized HDPE pipelines, build new diversion structures on the South Fork of the Ogden River, and install metered turnouts. Staff said pressurization will increase conveyance efficiency (staff reported improvement from about 80% to 100%), reduce seepage and operational costs and provide more reliable deliveries to agricultural and residential users.

For RE495 (Co-op Farm Irrigation Company), staff reported a total project cost of $1,994,000 and recommended a board share of 17.5% up to $348,000. Funding sources cited by staff included a Bureau of Reclamation ‘‘water, energy and efficiency’’ grant for about 28%, two Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) grants totaling roughly 44–45%, and roughly 10% from the applicant. Staff recommended the board purchase its share at 0% interest over 15 years with annual payments of roughly $23,200.

Ethan Stayner, staff presenter, told the board the applicant identified an estimated water conservation of $3.35 (units not specified in the application). The board discussed the estimate and staff confirmed the figure as reported.

For RE496 (Huntsville South Bench Canal Company), Brad Caldwell presented the companion project and recommended a board commitment of 16.1% up to $320,000, also to be purchased at 0% interest over 15 years with annual payments near $21,350.

Board votes: the motion to commit funds for RE495 passed with Board Members Brian Steed and Juliette Tenert recorded as opposed; the motion for RE496 passed with Steed and Tenert again recorded as voting against. Both motions otherwise received majority approval. The motions were seconded and recorded per board procedure.

Next steps: staff said both projects are ready to begin after irrigation season, with construction planned to start in October per the applicants’ schedules. Staff will complete contracting and coordinate disbursement under the board’s standard terms.