Letter of support approved to apply for $1.8 million Colorado Water Plan Grant

The Board of County Commissioners signed a letter of support at their June 24 public hearing for Mesa County to apply for the $1.8 million Colorado Water Plan Grant to support the potential  38 Road Bike and Pedestrian Project. 

If awarded, this funding would help move forward the 38 Road Bike and Pedestrian Project, which would include the piping of the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District check channel, creating a multi-benefit project that supports water savings, safety and our local economy.

Why this project matters:

• Protects our water resources. Installing two 96-inch pipes to replace the aging open channel will increase efficiency and conserve water for local agriculture, families and the Colorado River system.
• Improves safety and access. The new piping will make it possible to build a much-needed bike and pedestrian path over the pipes, providing a safer connection for people traveling along 38 Road between Palisade and East Orchard Mesa.
• Supports the Fruit & Wine Byway. 38 Road is part of this popular route, used by residents and visitors to access local vineyards, orchards and businesses.

The total estimated cost of this project is $5,968,600. Mesa County is actively seeking $1,786,800 through the Colorado Water Plan Grant and will provide a local match of $4,181,800, demonstrating substantial investment in its success. A portion of the match comes from a $1,882,355 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant Mesa County has already been awarded. The Orchard Mesa Irrigation District is also an active partner and will provide the right-of-way and easements needed for the shared-use path.

Read the full letter:

The Mesa County Board of County Commissioners strongly supports this request for consideration in the Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Plan Grant for the proposed Orchard Mesa Check Piping – 38 Road Bike and Pedestrian Project. This project is a multi-benefit project in Palisade, CO and the surrounding East Orchard Mesa area. This project addresses crucial needs in both recreational infrastructure and critical water conservation, making it an invaluable investment for our community and the broader Colorado River system. 38 Road is located along the Fruit & Wine Byway, a popular route that experiences high bicycle usage from Palisade, CO to the vineyards on East Orchard Mesa. 

38 Road also runs alongside the existing OM Check, which is an earthen channel with radial gates that currently redirects water for reuse. This project proposes to install twin 96-inch pipes in the OM Check to replace the open channel, which promises a significant leap in hydraulic efficiency for Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, and also allow for installation of the 38 Road Bike and Pedestrian shared use path over the top of the pipes. The piping enhancement is projected to result in substantial water savings for numerous users along the Colorado River, a truly vital outcome given the ongoing importance of water resource management in the Western United States. And the shared use path will provide for pedestrian and cyclist safety along 38 Road. Without the piping of this channel, alternative methods of installing the shared use path are cost prohibitive which will result in the cancellation of that project. 

The total cost of this project is estimated to be $5,968,600. Mesa County is actively seeking $1,786,800 in funding from the Colorado Water Plan Grant and is prepared to provide a significant match of $4,181,800, demonstrating our strong commitment and investment in its success. A portion of the match is coming from a $1,882,355 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant that Mesa County has already been awarded. The Orchard Mesa Irrigation District is also an active partner in this project and will be providing the right-of-way and easements needed for the shared use path. 

We strongly urge your favorable consideration and approval of this project.