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December 4, 2006 <br />Mike Gibson, Chairperson <br />Rio Grande Basin Round Table <br />415 San Juan Avenue <br />Alamosa, CO 81101 <br />Dear Mr. Gibson: <br />Alamosa Riverkeepers® is requesting $64,500 for the Terrace Reservoir Hydrologic Modeling, <br />Site Survey, and Mapping. These studies are a critical component of the Alamosa River Instream <br />Flow Project. <br />The Colorado State Engineer has determined that the existing Terrace Reservoir spillway has <br />insufficient capacity to pass the Probable Maximum Flood. Consequently, a storage restriction <br />has been placed on the reservoir. In order to implement the Alamosa River Instream Flow <br />Project, spillway capacity must be increased and the storage restriction must be lifted to <br />accommodate water rights that will be stored and released for instream flow purposes. Specific <br />spillway improvements cannot be determined until a site-specific Probable Maximum Flood <br />analysis has been performed. However, any spillway improvements are expected to occur in the <br />vicinity of the existing spillway and discharge channel. Topographic mapping of the area <br />encompassing the Terrace Reservoir dam and spillway is a first and essential step toward the <br />design and construction of any spillway improvements required by the State Engineer. <br />We believe our request complements the Rio Grande Roundtable goal of achieving projects of <br />sustainability and public benefit. Senate Bill 04-222 allows formation of a sub-district of the Rio <br />Grande Conservation District to stabilize the underground aquifers. Instream flow will help <br />recharge the confined aquifer, will take some farmland out of production, and will thereby help to <br />stabilize the aquifer. <br />The Instream Flow Project serves multiple natural resource benefits. Instream flow will help with <br />the development of a fishery, will restore operational flexibility and storage capacity at Terrace <br />Reservoir, and will enhance riparian habitat, while also improving wildlife resources and <br />recreational use. <br />Thank you for the opportunity to apply for funding. <br />Sincerely, <br />Cindy Medina, Alamosa Riverkeeper <br />