DALTON GARDENS — The Dalton Gardens Irrigation District board Monday approved the creation of a Local Improvement District aimed at upgrading the existing irrigation infrastructure.

“If the district doesn’t do this, Dalton is not going to be here like it is,” said resident Robert Wuest.

The project covers an 942-acre section of Dalton Gardens. It is expected to cost around $8.1 million, of which 34% of the cost has already been covered by grants. The last 66% of the cost will have to be covered by residents within the LID. 

The project is expected to have an up-front cost to LID residents at $5,000 to $6,000 per acre. 

The district is researching financing options for those unable to pay the up-front cost. 

Without the passage of the LID, the current infrastructure would have been left to live out its life cycle, leading to the eventual loss of access to irrigated water to residents within the LID.

A public hearing has been scheduled for 6 p.m. June 22. The board will be taking questions and public comment. Written comments will be accepted until 3:30 p.m. June 22.