Watershed Planning Economics (NRCS PL 83-566)
Highland economists have supported over 20 watershed plans in five states and prepared rigorous economic cost benefit analysis of NRCS small watershed plans authorized under Public Law 83-566 (PL 83-566). We have analyzed the costs and benefits of irrigation modernization projects, flood control projects, and dam rehabilitation projects with multiple authorized purposes. We are experts in the process and methodology required to meet NRCS guidance and the federal Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines (PR&G's), including identifying and valuing affected ecosystem services. Our analyses have withstood the highest level of scrutiny and been praised by NRCS economists for their thoroughness, transparency, and technical rigor.
Selected Watershed Planning Economics Projects
Central Oregon Irrigation District Watershed Plan / EIS
Working closely with the District, NRCS, and other project partners, Highland Economics helped to formulate the Alternatives and is preparing the socioeconomic impact analysis and the economic cost benefit analysis (National Economic Efficiency, or NEE analysis). This irrigation modernization project includes piping of canals to improve agricultural water management in order to reduce agricultural water shortages and associated agricultural damages and to reduce flooding and associated infrastructure damages.
Parowan Valley Watershed Plan
The Parowan Valley Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Project in Iron County, Utah includes proposed improvements to 1) prevent flood damages, 2) increase water use efficiency, and 3) prevent agricultural damages. Highland Economics has been collaborating with project engineers and environmental planners to develop alternatives with the highest level of benefits relative to costs and to evaluate the flood damage reduction and agricultural damage reduction benefits, as well as effects of the proposed projects on other ecosystem services.
Cooper Creek and Plat I Dam Rehabilitation
Cooper Creek and Plat I reservoirs provide recreation, municipal water supply, irrigation water, and flood control services to surrounding communities. The dams do not meet today's standards for earthquakes, and earthquake damage to the dams has the potential to result in several flooding and damage to the surrounding area. We are working closely with the Project sponsor, NRCS, and project planners and engineers to estimate the economic benefits of rehabilitation of the dam compared to a No Action scenario of dam failure.