US provides funding for irrigation projects

The US Department of the Interior has awarded $20.1m federal funding for four irrigation districts in Western Colorado, US.

The funds will be used to improve irrigation delivery systems by reducing the salinity of the Colorado River.

Districts that have received the funds include Stewart Ditch and Reservoir of Paonia, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association of Montrose, the Grand Valley Irrigation Company of Grand Junction and the Minnesota Canal and Reservoir Company of Paonia.

According to recent studies, the economic damage caused by salinity in the US portion of the Colorado River Basin is estimated to be over $400m per year.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said that when the four projects are completed, more than 23,000t salt will be prevented from entering the Colorado River every year.