Title
Supervisor Parlin recommending the Board:
1) Find that a public benefit is derived from supporting the Coloma Lotus Ditch Users Association repair damage caused by the winter storms; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign a funding Agreement, consistent with the County’s standard form and upon the approval of County Counsel, with Coloma Lotus Ditch Users Association authorizing payment of the $5,000 community funding contribution in support of this effort.
FUNDING: General Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The historic Coloma Lotus Ditch, which has been operating continuously since 1852, was severely damaged by the record-breaking winter storms of ‘22/’23. This is a hand dug, unlined, open ditch that runs for 7 miles through the Coloma and Lotus valleys. Damage includes downed trees, large breaks in the ditch wall, a granite boulder that is blocking the water flow and several locations where a large amount of silt was washed into the ditch. Most of the ditch runs through very rugged country and is not accessible with heavy equipment. Nearly all the repair work will have to be completed by hand crews.
The Coloma Lotus irrigation ditch is a valuable community resource that has been providing seasonal agricultural irrigation water to the area since 1852. Ditch water also creates green fire breaks and fills many ponds in the valley that provide fire suppression water for both fire professionals and residents. The value of ditch water for fire suppression has been recognized by Cal Fire, El Dorado County Fire, Coloma Lotus Fire Safe Council, Coloma Lotus Advisory Council and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. The California State Water Resources Board has also recognized the community benefit of the ditch by granting CLDUA a waiver from water curtailment restrictions that may be imposed during drought years.
There is an active proposal, supported by the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, Coloma Lotus Advisory...
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