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.. . .__.. ._... .. .~"._~__~"."."____.~.~,_.,,, - I.... : ~--.'_~..'. .~_.. . ''::: The Pueblo Chieftain Online Select me then priDt to print this article. Publish Date Sunday December 30, 200 I Arkansas Legacy Project 'EDITOlUAL 'The Puebw CJUeftain PUEBLO IS bidding for recreational water rights in the Arkansas River where it flows through the city. The ~ity expects to apply for a flow of 100 cubic feet per second in the channel of the river that leads to the Union Avenue Bridge during the period of the Southeastem Colorado Water Conservancy District's winter water storage program. During the rest ofthe year, the city will seek 500 cfs. The rights the city intends to file for are called recreational in-channel diversion rights, a classification recently created by the Colorado Legislature. The city wants to develop a kayaking course along the river as part of the Arkansas River Corridor Legacy Project, which will be built by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Legacy Project will also enhance parklike features along the water, including the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. A private consultant is designing the kayak: course. City officials hope to reach an agreement with the Corps of Engineers next spring. The Corps would design the project, incorporating the kayak course design and the project is expected to be put out for bid next September. The in-channel rights would be junior to all existing rights but senior to any subsequent rights applied for. The in-channellegislation requires that the city's application be reviewed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board- While the final decision will be made in Water Court, the board has the authority to make a recommendation to the court that must be considered factual unless successfully challenged by the city. The next hurdle will be ohallenges by other entities. Colorado Springs and the Southeastern Conservancy District, for example. However, Southeastern's manger. Steve Arveschoug, has expressed the possibility that many issues might be resolved though talks. We'd like to see that approach taken. The Legacy Project will be another fine amenity for Pueblo, both for the people who live here and those who might be luted from other communities. That would enhance .HARP and the Union Avenue Historic District. making the lower part of Downtown Pueblo a growing tourist attraction. &.--.. ......,.......-..-..