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002464 . . The July 1,2002 estimate for end-of-year California agricultural consumptive use of Colorado River water under the first three priorities and the sixth priority of the 1931 California Seven Party Agreement ~ 3.905 mar. This estimate is based upon the collective use through May 2002 by the Palo Verde fmgation District, the Ywna Project-Reservation Division (YPRD), the Imperial Irrigation District, and the Coachella Valley Water District. Figure I, found at the end of this report, depicts the historic projected end-of-year agricultural use for the year. Colorado River O1lerations Yuma Island Issues As you are aware, an ad hoc working group has been created to review and evaluate relevant information associated with the Yuma Island issues. The ad hoc group has met several times and has developed a draft outline of the issues and considerations for the Board's review. The draft outline is intended to form the basis of discussion during the Board's Executive Session on July 10,2002, leading to the development of a California position for presentation to the Y wna Island Independent Panel prior to the August 5, 2002, comment deadline. The draft outline was reviewed and discussed at the July 2,2002, meeting of the Agency Managers. The ad hoc group has also met with representatives from the Bard Water District to obtain their input, as well as, obtained the services of a historian, through a contract with MWD. The conclusion of the ad hoc group is that Yuma Island is not part of the Ywna Project~Reservation ~ DivisiQ..n._and-therefore, it is not entitled to receive water under the Project's secon~Lp'riority. California's Seven Party Agreement specifically made water available, Wiileftl1eSecond priority, for up to 25,000 acres in the Ywna Project, Reservation Division. This-ilrposition is consistent with other recent action taken by the Board with respect to water use on lands located in the Ywna Island area. Yuma Area Water Resources Management Group Issues At the July 2, 2002, meeting of the Agency Managers, representatives of the Bureau of Reclamation provided a presentation associated with the proposed Groundwater Pumping Initiative in the Ywna Valley to alleviate high groundwater elevations. Reclamation has developed the proposed pumping project in conjunction with the activities of the Ywna Area Water Resources Management Group (Y A WRMG). The stated goals of the proposed groundwater pumping initiative include the following: (I) reduce groundwater levels in the Ywna Valley (six feet or more); (2) prevent damage to crops and infrastructure in the Ywna Valley; (3) capture more of the groundwater flowing underground into Mexico and utilize it for bypass replacement and/or Arizona return flow; (4) improve the salinity of flows delivered to Mexico at the Northerly International Boundary; and (5) maintain acceptable salinity levels for flows delivered to Mexico at the Southerly International Boundary (SIB). Generally, the proposed project would include the pumping ofa series of wells in the Ywna Valley west of the Yuma Mesa, as well as some of the wells in the 242 Lateral Wellfield. With 3