Gunnison - Overland Reservoir Dam Expansion Restoration_Full Application

Home Browse Search

Water Supply Reserve Account - Grant Application Form - ([l)c \!t)iJcrlUItl:J 1.Ditcl) ,,\: 3Rc5criJoir <!Co. Form Revised Octo her 2006 9. Additional Information - If you feel you would like to add any additional pertinent information please feel free to do so here. Attach additional sheets as needed. The Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI) findings included both that "...Colorado will see a significantly greater reduction in irrigated agricultural lands as M&I [Municipal & Industrial] water providers seek additional permanent transfers of agricultural water rights ...,,1 and "The ability of smaller, rural water providers and agricultural water users to adequately address their existing and future water needs is significantly affected by their financial abilities."2 Based on the SWSI findings and recommendations the CWCB identified a number of broad conclusions, two of which are: "1) there is a need to help expedite the implementation of water management projects for all water needs".3 "3) there is strong desire for the state to provide financial assistance." 4 The combination of the findings and recommendations above substantiate the need for the State to support projects such as this one. The citizens and taxpayers of Colorado were polled in 2003 regarding the State's water policies and "Three values clearly emerged as most important to Coloradans in framing water policy". Third on this list (behind protecting underground water and preserving wildlife) was: . "Protecting water for agriculture and local economies based on farming ..." 5 The Overland believes this project is critical to all the stakeholders in Colorado. The Conditional 1920 adjudicated decree would be lost to a more junior seniority decree if this project is not completed. The completed project will permit The Overland to convert the decree to Absolute. If the 1920 decree is abandoned, the more recent decree awarded will almost assuredly fall junior to the 1922 Colorado River Pact. That means the State of Colorado will be subject to conditions of the 1922 pact regarding control of this water and the service area within which this water can be utilized will become smaller. As ALL water in the state becomes more critical to all the citizens of Colorado, it seems extremely important that the citizens of Colorado do everything possible to protect and maximize the usability of every drop of any water the State now controls - be it municipal, industrial or agricultural. 1 Water Supply Reserve Account Criteria and Guidelines - Adopted: October 18, 2006 2. ibid 3. ibid 4. ibid 5. The Mind of Colorado 2003 12