BASIN STATES PARALLEL PROGRAM (BSPP)
Purpose:

Augment programs to accelerate salinity control

Operates parallel to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

Salinity control areas in Colorado:
o Silt
o DeBeque
o Grand Valley
o Whitewater
o Delta
o Montrose
o Mancos
o Cortez

Allows for wider range of projects to be implemented

Provides districts with support for on-going projects
History:

Began in 1996

Changes in the Farm Bill resulted in NRCS not being able to receive funds
from the Colorado River Basin States for salinity
Goals:

Salinity reduction through installation of improved irrigation systems

Improved irrigation water management

Increased water conveyance and irrigation efficiency
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Partners:

Contract between Bureau of Reclamation and State of Colorado, State
Conservation Board

Contract between Colorado State Conservation Board and local
Conservation Districts

Participants sign contracts with local Conservation Districts
Contract requirements:

Install projects under $60/ton

All projects meet NRCS standards and specifications

Irrigation Water Management required

Operation and Maintenance agreement required
Funding:

Funding comes through Reclamation from power revenues on Colorado
River Basin facilities

Funding is based on funding obligated for salinity control projects
obligated through EQIP

Total funding in current contract to date about $13.2 Million
BSPP eligibility:

Individuals or groups, lateral organizations, even larger laterals and canals

Not eligible for EQIP

Irrigated two out of the last five years

Currently irrigated

Must serve irrigated land

Development of NRCS Conservation Plan is basis for funding
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Other Funding Opportunities:

Planning and implementation in designated special areas

Larger scale projects:
o Plateau Valley Pilot Project

Payment for structural improvements through regular EQIP
issues

Payment for salinity reduction achieved through the BSPP
o Urban Water Study
Contact:
Jim Currier
Conservation Specialist
BSPP Salinity Coordinator
2738 Crossroads Blvd., Suite #104
Grand Junction, CO 81506
970-243-5068 x116
james.currier@co.nacdnet.net
Monday-Thursday
970-243-5068 x116
debra.blume@co.nacdnet.net
970-243-5068 x121
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
NRCS Field Offices and Conservation Districts:
Glenwood Springs (Bookcliff CD)
Grand Junction
(Mesa CD and DeBeque-Plateau Valley CD)
Delta
(Delta CD)
Montrose
(Shavano CD)
Cortez
(Dolores CD and Mancos CD)
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