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) . DRAFT SECTION 6 - CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions Technical Feasibilitv The technical feasibility of the project will be demonstrated by the degree to which it is capable of meeting the objectives listed on page 2-1 of this report. In addition, the facility design must incorporate sufficient flexibility to accommodate changing priorities in the program to recover native aquatic species in Colorado. With regard to the issue of water supply, it appears as if more than adequate supplies are legally and physically available for Phase I of the facility. Water quality issues will require further investigation and will be directly related to the final source or sources selected for direct supply to the facility. Certain types of treatment or water quality adjustment will almost certainly be needed regardless of the source(s). In view of the fact that this is the first facility of its type in the nation, the design of this first phase is a significant challenge requiring participation and a high degree of coordination amongst CDOW staff, the design consultant, and other experts representing a very broad spectrum of technical skills. The question of technical feasibility cannot be fully addressed at the present time. Financial Feasibilitv The FishPro estimate in Table 3-1 of this report shows a total estimated cost for design and construction of about $3.52 million. As noted previously, only $3.40 million will be available following the closing on the Chiles Farms property. In addition, the cost of the facilities proposed in 1996 has probably increased to about $3.65 million and the replacement of one or more of the deep wells could add significantly to the cost. Unless additional funds are made available, the goals for and the design of the Phase I facility will probably have to be modified. The question of financial feasibility here comes down to constructing a facility, which is proportionate in purpose and scope to the budget available. Economic Feasibilitv Economic feasibility for this type of a project is more difficult to assess than either technical or financial feasibility. The purpose of the facility is to recover aquatic species in Colorado which, for a variety of reasons, are declining, threatened or endangered. The main incentive driving the program is state and federal statutes dealing with threatened or endangered species and this could be considered as a political or non-economic context for decision making. There are, however, some very clear economic benefits from the project in terms of allowing water project development to proceed in a timely fashion as a result of projects such as this which have the potential to contribute to recovery program activities in the various river basins in Colorado. No attempt was made here to quantify these benefits. 6-1