Rio Grande - Romero-Guadalupe Channel Rectification Project_Water Activity Summary

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Grant funding is being requested from the Basin Account in the amount of $83,700. Other sources of revenue and matching funds include: ? NRCS (Romero $30,750, Guadalupe, $40,850) (includes $2,600 contingency) $ 71,600 ? Conejos Water Conservation District $ 15,000 ? Romero Irrigation Company (plus continued maintenance) $ 1,000 ? Guadalupe Ditch Company (plus continued maintenance) $ 1,000 $88,600 match Discussion: Overall the application for funding assistance for the Romero-Guadalupe Channel Rectification Project was well prepared and the project is needed to address an important water supply. The project will address consumptive and non-consumptive need of the ditch companies and the Conejos River, while also reducing the potential future flooding of the community of Guadalupe, Colorado. The project is based on completed design work (prepared by NRCS and included in the application) and will be implemented by an identified and reputable construction company. The Rio Grande Basin Roundtable has determined that the single, most critical water issue confronting the Rio Grande Basin is the current unsustainable management of surface and ground water. This project supports the broader efforts of the roundtable in addressing this critical issue by improving the functions of the Conejos River. The functions include the continued historical use of irrigation; the raising or maintenance of groundwater levels through recharge of the aquifers and the compliance with interstate compacts. The applicant notes that the ditch companies are not responsible for the condition of the Conejos channel or its maintenance. However, they are taking the initiative, proactively seeking the technical support we need, and pursuing the required funding to meet multiple objectives. The funding of this project will vastly benefit the ditch systems and the farmers who rely on timely delivery of their surface rights. Beyond this, the two ditch companies, rooted in the traditions of the old Spanish land-grant acequias and representing some of the earliest water rights in Colorado, are hereby helping the State meet its Compact obligation. By stabilizing the Conejos River and enhancing fish habitat and riparian areas they are benefiting the larger community. Issues/Additional Needs: NRCS has recently approved funding and has provided preliminary (not final) engineering drawings and technical plans for the Guadalupe Main Ditch in sufficient detail to anticipate the scope of work and related costs for the Guadalupe portion of this proposal. The final plans and details were to be ready in July. If this application is approved, the applicant should review and update the scope of work, budget, and schedule based on these final plans. The update needs to indicate which specific work elements will be completed using funding from the water supply reserve account. Please confirm if the plans and specifications have been approved by a licensed professional engineer. Staff Recommendation: The application is well prepared and the proposed project addresses critical water supply needs in the basin. Staff recommends approval of up to $83,700 to complete the Romero-Guadalupe Channel Rectification Project contingent on resolution of the item in the issues/additional needs section. All products, data and information developed as a result of this grant must be provided to CWCB in hard copy and electronic format as part of the project documentation. This information will in turn be made widely available to Basin Roundtables and the general public and will help promote the development of a common technical platform. 2