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Show Construction Activities All work contracted by the Bureau of Reclamation on the Florida Project has been accomplished except for a few small additional and corrective facilities which will be completed in 1966. Lemon Dam, key feature of the project, was completed and storage of water begun in November 1963. First irrigation water releases were made from Lemon Reservoir in May 1964. Enlargement of the Florida Farmers Ditch and the Florida Canal, construction of the diversion dam, and construction of the Florida laterals are completed. With funds advanced by the Bureau of Reclamation, the Florida Water Conservancy District completed work on rehabilitation of approximately 50 miles of the canal and distribution system involving about 450 structures. This section of the distribution system will serve 11,900 acres of the 19,450 acres in the project. Water stored in the Lemon Reservoir was available on a rental basis through the 1966 irrigation season. Lemon Dam is being operated and maintained by the Bureau during 1966. The Florida Water Conservancy District is operating all conveyance and distribution facilities during 1966. It is planned to transfer the project facilities to the District for operation and maintenance by January 1, 1967. Lemon Reservoir received its first full year of recreation use during 1965. Recreation facilities include a boat ramp, picnic areas, and campgrounds. d. Silt Project The Silt Project is being developed between Rifle and Elk Creeks near the towns of Silt and Rifle in western Colorado. An improved water supply for 4,628 acres of partially irrigated land and a full supply for 2,416 acres of new land will be provided. Construction features include Rifle Gap Dam which will create a reservoir of 12,600-acre-foot capacity, the Silt Pumping Plant, headworks and inlet channel, rehabilitation of existing works, and construction of laterals and drains. Construction Activities Construction of the various features of the Silt Project move toward completion. The construction program is geared to initiation of storage of water on or about November 1, 1966, when the contractor plans to make closure of the outlet works. First delivery of water to project lands is scheduled for 1967. 98 |