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, U 3 - - 8 I ~ i.. ~ " .. v ... .::. Chronology Re: Colorado River Basin States Discussions on Long-Term Issues Page 3 31 Dee 91 8 Apr 92 1 1 May 92 7 July 92 1 Sept 92 17 Nov 92 12 Mar 93 27 Apr 93 The Seven Basin States Governors' Representatives also met with Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Underwood and briefed him on the status of the States discussions. Commissioner Underwood framed the issues that the States are addressing as "How do I now operate when living within my apportionment?" He pledged Reclamation's support and assistance to provide the operational flexibility that the States recognize will be an integral part of the solutions. Reclamation acknowledged requirement under the Law of the River to limit beneficial consumptive use of Colorado River mainstem water in the Lower Basin to the 7,500,000 acre-foot annual apportionment. Wyoming State Engineer met with the Executive Director of the Colorado River Board of California in Cheyenne. This productive meeting allowed for an indepth briefing on the initiatives that California is undertaking to achieve greater water conservation, improve water management and address critical statewide water supply and allocation issues. Governors' Representatives met in Portland, Oregon and received an update briefing by the Lower Basin States on the progress of their three-party discussions. Lower Basin advised they met on 4 occasions since December 1991 and discussions have focused on mechanisms involving changing the operation of the Colorado River system. Redefinition of surplus and Arizona risk protection through groundwater recharge identified as being the most fruitful discussion areas at present. The ten Indian tribes within the Colorado River Basin sent a discussion paper to Colorado River Basin States. Paper describes the recent formation by the Tribes of the "Colorado River Tribal Partnership" with objective of "developing and protecting Tribal water resources and addressing river management issues." The Tribal Partnership discussion paper suggests marketing of Tribal water should be a part of ongoing discussions, and seeks a place at the table for the Partnership to participate in them. Seven Basin States Governors' Representatives met in Salt Lake City, Utah and received a status report on the progress of the discussions among the three Lower Basin States and on the activities in each State to address river management issues. Lower Basin reported they were making a little progress and would continue to meet. It was agreed to continue with periodic update meetings among all seven States. The States Representatives also discussed the Colorado River Tribal Partnership and role of the Tribes in the ongoing discussions. Colorado River Basin Governors' Representatives met with the Colorado River Tribal Partnership in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tribal Partnership again expresses desire to open/pursue communications with the Basin States. Partnership representatives suggest their discussion paper provides starting point and marketing of Tribal water to Lower Basin entities should be considered as one means to address long term water supply issues. Tribes propose development of Memorandum of Understanding to be entered into between the ten Tribes of their Partnership and the Seven Basin States. Seven Basin States Governors' Representatives met with representatives of the Colorado River Tribal Partnership in Newport Beach, California. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding is determined to go too far, and instead the Governors' Representatives and the Tribal Partnership agree on purposes of discussions, meeting guidelines and a process to move forward with submittal of proposals and alternatives. Colorado River Basin Governors' Representatives met with Colorado River Tribal Partnership representatives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Considerations of Lower Basin State solutions versus Seven State solutions discussed. Recognition that many ongoing, related activities have to be further completed and finished to see how pieces of the solution elements might fit together. Received additional briefings on California and Nevada's water supply and water need estimates. Discussion/presentations on water leasing by the Colorado River Tribal Partnership's tribes. Seven Basin Governors' Representatives met in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Lower Basin States' reps provided reports on the progress of the Central Arizona Project Task Force/Advisory Committee, discussions about the future operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant, the proposed Roan Creek Project and the preparation of a report for Nevada on building a desalinization plant in Mexico developing a