Supporting Hydropower

USDA has issues a $1.8 million dollar grant to the Colorado Department of Ag to be used to support the development of agricultural hydropower projects in the state. Lacy Gray has more.

GRAY: The grant will be important in stemming energy costs for area farmers according to the Colorado Small Hydro Association, based in Telluride. The new hydro projects won't result in any new dams or water diversions, but will instead rely on existing untapped water pressure and that's vital to Colorado's agricultural community. COSHA estimates 500 new jobs could be created by the new hydro development in Colorado as well as the new agricultural hydropower program will facilitate the conversion of flood irrigation systems to pressurized irrigation systems with integrated hydropower. The town of Telluride completed a 20-year public works project at the end of 2014 to harness even more hydroelectric power from Bridal Veil Creek and Bridal Veil Falls.

Thanks Lacy. Through the newly established Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the USDA is investing $370 million in the implementation of conservation projects in all 50 states. U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton and U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet requested the funds for Colorado conservation projects.

And that's Colorado Ag Today. I'm Greg Martin, thanks for listening on the Ag Information Network of the West.