WSP10698

• File Number: 8443
• Description: Narrows Unit
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 3/1/1976
• Author: US DoI BoR
• Title: Comments and reviews received and circulated by the Colorado State Clearinghouse regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

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EXECUTIV E, CHAM8ERS
DENVHU

February 26; 1976

Mr. Joe D. Hall, Regional Director
Lower Missouri Region
Bureau of Reclamation
Bldg. 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado B0225

Re: DES 75-59

Dear Mr. Hall:

This letter constitutes the official comments of the State
of Colorado on the Draft Environmental Statement, Narrows Unit,
South Platte Division, Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, Colorado,
dated December 8, 1975. For some thirty years now, the Narrows Unit
has been evaluated and re-evaluated by various agencies of the state'
and federal governments and by numerous interested people of the
South Platte Valley of Colorado. The project twice has been authorized
by the United States Congress and funds have been appropriated and are
available to initiate construction. The comments offered in this
letter are therefore based upon the foundation of lengthy and exhaustive
investigations which have alre8.dy led'the State of Colorado through
successive administrations to endorse the construction of the Narrows
Project.

I am coumitted to the preservation of the natural environment
of this state to the extent possible. However, I must balance this
commitment against the existing way of life in Colorado and the economic
and social welfare of our citizens. The authorized Narrows Reservoir '
is situated in the heart of one of the most productive and diversified
agricultural areas of the United States. The lower South Platte River
has no existing fishery values nor did it have such values historically.
However, the river does have significant waterfowl habitat values, some
of which would be lost by construction of the Narrows Reservoir.

Considering only the natural environment, I believe the impact
of the proposed Narrows Project construction to be minimal. While some
values will be lost, others will be created. The approved project
plans contemplate the establishment of a major wildlife management
At the present time, such wildlife management is difficult because
the extensive private ownership of lands along the river corridor.

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