The purpose of this effort is to provide a streamline program that encourages landowners to apply with a one-page application and receive funding to replace, repair and improve damage or destroyed diversion infrastructure and/or install infrastructure upgrades following wildfire impacts.

The Lee and Elk Fires burned through key agricultural watersheds in Rio Blanco County followed by severe post-fire debris flows, causing extensive damage to agricultural diversion infrastructure within the burn scars and downstream areas.

PROGRAM GOALS:
• Benefit diverters by securing continued water delivery

• Support agricultural water use and protect water rights

• Protect downstream infrastructure and reduce sedimentation

• Provide environmental co-benefits such as improved fish passage and riparian function

COST-SHARE DETAILS:

Tier One projects - smaller scale repairs and replacements that quickly restore basic water delivery functions

Tier Two projects - larger more complex infrastructure improvements that enhance long-term watershed resilience and management

• Projects must be located within WRCD boundaries, within burn scars or directly affected areas, including down-shed.

• Applicants must demonstrate decreed water rights

•Landowners contribute half the total cost; WRCD assists with the remainder through recovery funding

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION WITH LINK BELOW AND SUBMIT TO THE DISTRICTS

DiversionImprovementapplication_Nov25.pdf

PRINTABLE PROGRAM ONE-SHEET LINK BELOW

Diversion Improvement Program.pdf