The Upper High Creek Canal is the backbone of Richmond Irrigation Company’s delivery system, carrying water to approximately 6,000 acres of agricultural land. Modernizing the canal gave the company an opportunity to improve the control and consistency of water deliveries while using pressure already available in the system to generate electricity.

Franson Civil worked with the company from early funding and planning through design, bidding, and construction. Our team also coordinated with property owners to secure easements where the new pipeline departed from the existing canal alignment, helping keep the multi-purpose project moving toward construction.

Bringing the project from design to operation required environmental review, funding, and coordination among several power partners. We prepared the Environmental Assessment required by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and helped Richmond Irrigation Company secure a $1 million WaterSMART grant and a $3.7 million State of Utah loan for the $5.7 million project.

During the hydropower phase, we worked with PacifiCorp, Rocky Mountain Power, the Utah Association of Municipal Power Suppliers (UAMPS), and other partners to bring the facilities online. Our team coordinated the grid connection, developed the agreement to sell electricity to Hyrum City through UAMPS, and completed the necessary amendment to UAMPS’ transmission agreement with PacifiCorp.

The completed system gives Richmond Irrigation Company better control over water deliveries, more consistent pressure, and clearer information for day-to-day operations. Enclosing the canal protects the company’s primary conveyance system, while the hydropower facilities turn existing pipeline pressure into a productive source of electricity for Hyrum City. Together, these improvements help the company use its water and energy resources more effectively while supporting the farms, water users, and communities that rely on the system.