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<br />,nj 3 283 <br /> <br />. The historic yields of existing water projects must be protected. Environmentally <br />and economically, it makes no sense to reallocate resources away from existing <br />projects. The challenge is to make existing projects more efficient, so that the <br />overall water resource can be better managed. In this regard, operations of <br />existing projects should be reevaluated, and if necessary, changed, to accomplish <br />the same yield to the end user in a way compatible with multiple purposes. <br /> <br />. The Lower Basin should develop solutions within the Lower Basin to Lower <br />Basin water supply allocation issues. For example, water could be shifted among <br />the Lower Division States in ways which would resolve Nevada's long-term <br />needs, firm up MWD's yield within California's basic apportionment, and lend <br />financial stability to Arizona water users. <br /> <br />. Colorado and the other Upper Division States should be willing to address issues <br />of operational flexibility of Colorado River system reservoirs to maximize use in <br />the entire Basin consistent with environmental and power needs, within the limits <br />of protection to state entitlements afforded by the Law of the River. This will <br />give more certainty to the Lower Basin on when and under what conditions <br />surplus water can be used and how shortages will be administered. <br /> <br />. Colorado has a need, and a commitment, to recover the Colorado River <br />endangered fish species. In order to -accomplish that recovery, the following <br />should be accomplished: <br /> <br />Funding for the Recovery Implementation Program should be made <br />certain. <br /> <br />Consultations by the Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the <br />Endangered Species Act should reflect the certainty of funding of the <br />Recovery Implementation Program, by protecting the historic yield of <br />existing water projects, and by allowing the full development of <br />Colorado's Compact entitlement consistent with the Recovery Program. <br /> <br />Colorado should undertake a program to manage habitat to prevent future <br />listings and habitat designations, and to prevent takings. <br /> <br />. Colorado has need for additional incremental water development to meet <br />identified demands. The approach undertaken by water user groups such as the <br />San Miguel Water Conservancy District should be encouraged. <br /> <br />. In order to secure a source of funding for the Recovery Implementation Program, <br />and achieve a level of additional incremental and defined water development, <br />Colorado should be willing to consider the deauthorization of federally-authorized <br />but unbuilt Colorado projects, and should be willing to analyze the benefits of <br /> <br />11 <br />