DALTON GARDENS— The Dalton Irrigation District on Monday outlined an $8.1 million plan to upgrade the irrigation infrastructure.

“I hope people see the value of irrigation,” said Project Manager Jon Baune.

Around 60 people showed up for the town hall at City Hall and heard why the project is necessary.

The project's initial stages began in 2023, with a water supply improvement study and a search for funding.

On June 8, the district is expected to adopt a preliminary resolution to form a local improvement district of around 942 acres, with final approval in late June.

Those who reside in the district and are hooked up to the irrigation infrastructure would be expected to absorb the costs, which are estimated at $5,000 to $6,000 an acre. So, a resident with 5 acres could be looking at owing about $25,000.

Much of the irrigation infrastructure has been in use since the last major remodel and upgrade in 1954. The most recent preventative maintenance work was completed in the early 2000s.

The project is estimated to cost around $8.1 million, but according to the Dalton Irrigation District it could change as the price of materials fluctuates.

“Everything done thus far has been voluntary by the district to educate their patrons,” said Danielle Quade, a lawyer for Hawley-Troxell, who represents Dalton Irrigation District.

Three state grants have been applied for to help offset the cost for those within the LID. One grant has been exhausted and was used to fund the water supply study. The other two, $1.37 million and $1.41 million, cover about 35% of the upgrade.

The district is planning to apply for another grant.

The remaining cost would be paid for with a loan. The district plans to disburse the cost on a per-acre system, with those having more land paying more of the cost.

If finalized, the project would have a 30-day period where residents can pay their share of the cost up front. Those who don’t pay the lump sum could pay back their part of the loan on an annual basis. 

Should the LID not be approved by City Council, the grants already received could be forfeited and the infrastructure would be left to live out the rest of its life cycle. Dalton Gardens could potentially lose access to irrigated water.   

Rick Junkin believes the project is simply a cost of upgrading aging infrastructure. 

“Dalton has been here a long time,” he said. “It’s just like everything else, maintenance needs to be done.”  

Some local residents were worried for their neighbors. 

“My concern is seniors struggling with property taxes,” said John Motley, a Dalton Gardens resident. 

Motley said a potential cost like this one for those living on a fixed income could be beyond their ability to pay.

According to the district, liens would be placed on homes connected to the Dalton irrigation infrastructure within the LID if the projects is approved. Those unwilling or unable to repay their share of the loan may have their homes foreclosed, or other assets forfeited.

Josh Exley, a resident of Dalton Gardens, said what is being asked of residents is reasonable.

“Fifty years without work is quite a long time,” he said.

Exley also said those resistant to the project have a legitimate concern.

“At the end of the day I don’t want to pay $6,000 out of my pocket either,” he said. 

Dalton Irrigation District officials said construction could begin this autumn and last until the beginning of the next water season, or late spring 2027. 

Robert Wuest said irrigation has built the Dalton Gardens that residents enjoy every day. 

“Dalton would not be Dalton without irrigation,” he said. 

The next meeting is scheduled 6 p.m. June 8 at Dalton Gardens City Hall.