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risks of exceeding the safe channel capacity. The reduction in safe channel capacity and thus the release rate also remo~~es a portion of the flood control benefit the project was designed to pro~~ide since the flood control space cannot be evacuated as originally designed. The Di~~ision 2 Engineer, Steve Witte, has pro~~ided the attached memo dated October 4, 2007, which further describes the channel situation and the state's interest in the proposed study. The study proposed by the U.S. Army Corps, and on which the PRWCD has agreed to act as the local sponsor, will be di~~ided into two phases. Phase 1 will determine the actual safe channel capacity under current conditions. Phase 2 will attempt to identify measures that can restore the channel capacity, closer to the original project design condition. Phase 1 of the study will consist of surveying, mapping, hydraulic modeling and analysis, and a report and is estimated to cost $65,000. The second phase is preliminarily estimated to cost $35,000. The Corps and USBR ha~~e indicated an ability to provide approximately half of the $65,000 Phase 1 cost during the next 18-24 months. Phase 2 funding is not a~~ailable at this time, and no Board funds would be used for that purpose until suitable non-state cost-share was obtained. The PRWCD is not directly responsible for flood control operations and is not being asked for a financial contribution to Phase 1, but has agreed to be the local project sponsor in terms of coordination and local input. Statewide Interest The issue of maximum safe releases from Trinidad Reservoir is rele~~ant to the State of Kansas under the Arkansas River Compact, as well as Colorado water users on the Arkansas mainstem, both abo~~e and below the confluence with the Purgatoire at the town of Las Animas. This drainage area presents nearly a quarter of the state. Importantly, our relationship with downstream compacting states is a matter of statewide concern, as the 20 plus years of litigation in Colorado v Kansas, and payment of the $35 million judgment has shown. In addition the management of flood plains and channel restoration can be considered to ha~~e statewide importance, particularly when agricultural and recreation ~~alues could be included in a potential mitigation project. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends the Board request that the General Assembly authorize $50,000 from the Construction Fund to be appropriated to the CWCB for the Purgatoire River Channel Capacity and Improvement Study. CWCB staff will be a~~ailable to answer questions about this proposal. 2