Special to the HT
RBC | Executive Director Alden Vanden Brink reported the repaired hydro electric turbine has been delivered and is currently being installed. (Reminder, the turbine was sent for repairs following a loan by Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to the district of $2.5 million to be paid back by future revenues.) They hope to have it turned on and running within two weeks. The district will be allowed to run the turbine for one year before beginning payment on their loan. They will have to keep 10% of the loan amount in a savings account as part of their loan agreement. CWCB plans to come see the project in the near future.
Regarding the Wolf Creek Reservoir on-going project, the district is still working to get an approval from the Army Corps of Engineers on their purpose and need statement to justify the project. Despite data from NRCS showing a drop of roughly 1/3 in water usage by area irrigators over the past 5 years, they have received funding to assess area water users need and or desire for additional water. The District will pursue a Recreation Survey as well.
Kenney Reservoir is open to recreation as well as the campgrounds. There is a new Town of Rangely Administrator, Alan Post, most recently from Vernal. The Annual Kenney Reservoir Fishing Derby is scheduled for June 6, 7, 8.
