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000745 stated the Project is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Colorado squawfish and that no reasonable and prudent alternatives (RP As) were identified to offset jeopardy to the endangered fish. From June 1990 through March 1991, Reclamation consulted with Federal, State, Tribal, and private experts and agencies to develop an RP A that would offset jeopardy to the endangered fish and allow construction of the Project to begin. The Biological Opinion issued by the Service on October 25, 1991, contained an RPA which would allow construction of several Project features (including Durango Pumping Plant, Ridges Basin Inlet Conduit, Ridges Basin Dam and Reservoir, and other features) and initial annual water depletions for the Proj ect of 57,100 acre-feet. At the same time, an approximately 7 -year research study of endangered fish in the San Juan River (7-year research study) would be conducted, and Navajo Dam would be operated to replicate the natural hydrograph of the San Juan River and provide flows needed for the research period. Subsequently, consultation was reinitiated to address such new information as designation of critical habitat for endangered fish and listing of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. That consultation concluded with a final Biological Opinion and an RPA on the endangered fish from the Service dated February 1996, allowing an initial average annual water depletion of 57,100 acre-feet. Other requirements of this RP A are generally similar to those of the previous RP A. The seven-year research studies have been completed and provide new information about the needs of the endangered fishes and critical habitat in the San Juan River. This information, along with new hydrology information on the San Juan River, needs to be evaluated by the Service to determine if additional measures are necessary to avoid jeopardy to endangered fishes in the San Juan River. As it did with regard to the original Animas-La Plata Project in September 1979, Reclamation typically provides Congress with a definite plan report (planning report) prior to a project receiving Congressional authorization to initiate construction. Among other things, a planning report must document economic feasibility and financial viability. The September 1979 report has not been updated to address a modified Project as set forth in S. 1771 or possible alternatives. As noted above, the modified Project proposed in S. 1771 is scaled down from the original Animas-La Plata Project. There are changes in the water allocation among users, differences in the amount and timing of diversions from the Animas River, different return flow assumptions with respect to the Ute Indian water, among other changes. It is important to assess adequately the feasibility, financial responsibilities, benefits and costs and environmental impacts of such changes. The Administration believes it is essential to analyze these issues. For example, Reclamation knows that the cost of Ridges Basin Dam as provided for in S. 1771 could be reduced by as much as one-half if a reservoir sufficient to hold only the Indian M&I water were created. Such a reservoir may not provide certain fish and wildlife or recreation benefits, but the Administration believes that such a change to the modified Animas-LaPlata Project proposal should be analyzed in light of its potential cost savings. There appears to be a need to allow for exploration of a variety of alternatives means to deliver water to the Tribes, including alternative dam sizes, pumping capacities, and various configurations as well as possible non-structural 6