Eastern Irrigation District reports more revenue, capital spending

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 8, 2023.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Officials with the Eastern Irrigation District described a successful year in an annual report unveiled Tuesday in Brooks at the annual general meeting.

A copy of the report indicates increased revenue, and the district completed a substantial $36.6-million capital project budget in 2022.

The largest single project was the completion of the 17-kilometre “Scott” pipeline that allows a direct outlet on the east side of Lake Newell in the Highway 873 area. About $14.6 million was spent on that line in 2022, completing the $17.4-million project, which directly supplied 5,000 acres with capacity for further expansion.

The EID also spent $10.7 million toward land acquisition for the Snake Lake Reservoir expansion, announced last year and to be complete in future years through a financing partnership with the province and the Canadian Infrastructure Bank.

Nine of 33 modernization projects, mainly converting canal to pipeline, are underway.

The 2023 work plan shows work will begin on the 25-km Lone Tree pipeline.

In total the EID received a 5 per cent increase in revenue to $43.9 million in total, including a stable $25 million from oil and gas leases.

Expenses also rose to $30.7 million, with the difference added to reserve funds.

The district also predicts construction of the Brooks Solar Project on land leased by the EID will commence in 2023.