From the Cortez Journal (Jim Mimiaga):
The McElmo Flume restoration project gained some traction recently when the Southwestern Water Conservation District board agreed to contribute $15,000 in matching funds pending approval of a grant.
Montezuma County has applied for a $122,700 grant from the Colorado State Historic Fund to repair the flume’s foundation.
If approved in February, a 25 percent match of $41,000 is required by May.
The county has agreed to pitch in $2,500 toward the match if awarded the funds.
“We’re looking for another $24,000 in matching funds if the grant is approved,” said Linda Towle, a historic-site advocate and volunteer. “We will continue our fundraising efforts.”
Built in the 1880s, the wooden flume was a marvel of engineering, delivering water to Towaoc and area ranches. It operated until 1992 but was replaced by the concrete canals of the McPhee Project and has since fallen into disrepair.