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O~@mgWl JJ~ f'JO/ 0.11983- In COLORAD VI Ci}.\;StR[lAT~ WATER .~N e~ARD The Bureau of Reclamation is concluding its planning investigation of the Dolores Pumped-Storage Unit. The purpose of the investigation was to examine the feasibility of constructing a pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in the vicinity of McPhee Reservoir on the Dolores River. The investigation is being concluded because no non-Federal financial support has been identified. As reported in the last newsletter, Reclamation did not intend to pursue the project further unless it received a commitment for non-Federal participation. November 1983 DOLORES HYDROPOWER INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED SUMMARY OF EVENTS The Dolores Unit investigation was started in 1980 on the recommendation of an earlier investigation of potential hydroelectric peaking power sites in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Studies to date in the Dolores area have identified a feasible pumped-storage plan that could provide 500 megawatts of capacity. Current administration policy excludes power development unless it is part of a multipurpose project or is needed for project purposes. Therefore, in January of this year Reclamation began seeking non-Federal funding for the remainder of the study. The Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority expressed interest in the project and entered into negotiations to fund the completion of the study. The Authority received a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permit to continue the study and hired an independent consultant who reexamined construction costs and power marketing demands, and confirmed the overall feasibility of the project. The Authority has decided not to participate in the completion of the study because of the lack of a firm market and recent information that the project could not provide a significant amount of additional water storage in addition to hydroelectricity. This is the last newsletter on the investigation. Further inquiries can be addressed to the Durango Projects Office at the above address. II II II