PUB00143

• Year: 1992
• Title: Construction Fund Annual Report 1992
• CWCB Section: Finance
• Author: CWCB
• Description: Construction Fund Annual Report 1992
• Publications - Doc Type: CF Annual Report

West Slope Aquifer Study

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Section 3 of SB 89-85 authorized the Board to expend $37,500 in matching funds from the
construction fund to have the U.S. Geological Survey compile an inventory of all available
geohydrologic data on bedrock aquifers in Colorado west of the Continental Divide. The study
was completed on schedule by September 30, 1992, except for the transfer of the computerized
inventory to the State Engineer's computer system. Transfer of the inventory is pending the
outcome of the department wide GIS study.

Endangered Fish Hatchery Feasibility Study

Section 4 of SB 89-85 authorized the Board to expend $300,000 for a feasibility study of fish
culture techniques and of fish hatchery construction. Of this original amount, $55,000 was
allocated in 1989 for a study on the effects of temperature and diet on the culture of Colorado
squawfish. This study was completed in June 1990. The remaining $245,000 was earmarked
for the Hatchery Feasibility Study. Since its start-up in August, 1990, tasks completed for the
Hatchery Feasibility Study have included a compilation of existing literature and information on
propagation facilities; site identification, evaluation and screening; development of culture
techniques and design criteria; as well as investigation of water supplies and water quality.
Preparation of the Final Report and associated technical appendices is underway, and completion
of these reports is anticipated in late 1992 or early 1993.

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Yampa River Feasibility Study

The Recovery Implementation Program (RIP) for the Endangered Fish Species in the Upper
Colorado River Basin identified the Yampa River as important habitat for several endangered
species and subsequently a high priority for water rights acquisition investigations. The Juniper-
Cross Mountain water rights owned by the Colorado River Water Conservation District are the
controlling water rights on the mainstem of the Yampa. Acquisition of a portion of these rights
for in stream flows could benefit the endangered fishes in the Lower Yampa River.

To ensure that reasonable potential water needs within the basin are protected, a study was
undertaken in August 1990 to review existing and potential water demands in the Yampa Basin
and evaluate various site alternatives. The overall objective of this study is to evaluate a number
of alternative projects and recommend a selected project for eventual implementation.
Completion of all study tasks is expected in early 1993. Funding for this study is through the
River District ($100,000), Colorado Water Conservation Board ($100,000), and Bureau of
Reclamation ($100,000). The CWCB's contribution was considered part of the state's annual
contribution to the RIP in federal FY 1990 and FY 1991.

CWCB Dam Site Inventory

In 1986, lIB 86-1011 added a new paragraph to Section 37-60-115(4), CRS, which directed
the Board to prepare an inventory of potential dam and reservoir sites in the state. The inventory

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. CWCB Annual Report, page 12