OCR Text |
Show Channel improvements and levees were provided in the program where they were considered the most practical solution for satisfying the flood protection needs. The early action program includes 273 miles of levees and 586 miles of channel improvements. The program also includes land treatment and management practices that reduce damaging peak runoff on 188,CXX) acres, and the use of nonstructural measures in flood plain management as a means of preventing damage from floodwaters. The total flood control program is shown on the map following page 92. By 1980, the program would reduce flood damages by $32 million annually, and the estimated remaining damages would be $4l million annually. The total cost of the program would be $359 million. Irrigation and Drainage The early action irrigation program includes increased conservation of existing water supplies, more efficient utilization of lands developed for irrigation and new irrigation development of 200,000 acres, of which 110,000 acres would be on Indian lands. The program includes completion by 1980 of the ongoing rehabilita- tion of irrigation water conveyance systems to facilitate more efficient utilization and the conservation of water supplies. Facilities included in the authorized Central Arizona and Dixie Projects will provide: additional water for lands presently developed for irrigation; a full water supply for irrigation of some new lands in Utah; and regulatory storage to facilitate more efficient utilization of water supplies. Water management measures, such as land leveling, ditch lining, water control structures, and pipelines, are included for better controX and more efficient onfarm use of irrigation water and/or to reduce costs of irrigation. A total of 573*000 acres of cropland will be treated by 1980 at a total cost of $56.3 million. During the period 1966 to 1980, the irrigated harvested acreage is projected to increase from 1.32 million to 1.14-9 million acres. A portion of the increase would result from the reduction of crop failures (by 55,000 acres). A minor amount of additional irrigation is expected in outlying ground-water basins. Though the irrigated lands harvested will increase by 228,000 acres, the total acreage irrigated will increase only 173,000 acres, and increased water utilization efficiencies will result in increased water withdrawal requirements of only 3*+0,000 acre- feet. Additional drainage facilities are provided to serve 68,000 acres at a cost of $13. k million. 93 |