At its March 13, 1997, meeting, the Natural resources Commission modified the approval action it had taken earlier on the Enders Dam Project. This project, sponsored by the Frenchman Valley and H&RW Irrigation Districts, calls for the installation of drains to correct excessive seepage in Enders Dam, located on Frenchman Creek near Imperial. The repair work has been designed and will be principally funded by the Bureau of Reclamation.
In its original action on October 31, 1996, the Commission approved a reduced-interest loan (3% over 10 years) for up to $40,842.90, not to exceed 90% of the project cost allocated to irrigation but provided no funding for the flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife aspects of the project as it appeared the Bureau of Reclamation might assist with the cost allocated to those project purposes. Subsequently the Bureau offered the sponsor a no-interest loan for the cost allocated to irrigation, but decided it would not assist with the other project purposes.
Therefore, on March 13th the Commission rescinded the low-interest loan of $40,842.90 and provided a grant for up to $37,064.25, not to exceed 75 percent of the project cost allocated to flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife (total of $49,419). The Commission also obligated the funds effective immediately so reimbursement can be made to the sponsor as soon as a project contract is executed and repair costs are incurred. It is anticipated that project construction will take place this fall. The Enders Dam Project is another good example of federal, state, and local cooperation and cost-sharing to accomplish needed work.