GunnisonComments07

• Basin: Gunnison
• Title: Comments 7
• Date: 2/2/2004
• SWSI - Doc Type: Comments

02/02/2004 17:23

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PAGE 03

Conceptual Advantages

Union ParkA RegJonal Water SUQP1V and Power Proi.@g

. UnIon Park's innovative concept assumes that Western headwater states should
pump some of their high quality snowmelt into high altitude, off-river reservoirs
during heavy runoff years to protect cities! farms, and environments, when and
where needed. throughout multiple river basins during multi-year droughts;

. Union Park will be filled from existing federal reservoirs with reversible pump-
generators during spring flood monthsJ when surplus pumping power is available at
tow rates from the Western power grid; c

. Revenues from Union ParkJs advanced pumped~storage, peaking power facilities
can offset aUI or most, of its fixed and variable water supply and drought protection
costs:

. After Union Park's construction bonds are repaidJ its clean peaking power revenues
can substantially reduce projected Western water user costs throughout the new
millennium;

. Union Park can store and beneficiaUy use Coloradors overlooked Aspinall poor
federal water rights (300JOOO acre-feet)) which were authorized by Congress in 1957
for both slopes. Union Park CQuld also store water entitlements of other states;

. Union Park can save up to 1 ~2 million acre-feet of Colorado's wasted Colorado River
entjtlements in high. offwriver, Gunnison storage during wet cycles~ These conserved1
high quality headwaters will then be available at 10,000 feet for assured gravity
deliveries, when needed, throughout the Gunnison, Colorado, South PlatteJ
Arkansas, and Rio Grande River Basins;

. Union ParkJs flexible high storage can optimize river flows for fish and recreation,
while increasing water quantity, quality. reliability, and reuse opportunities.
throughout Colorado and down river states;

. Union Park's multi~basin drought protection benefits can quickly integrate conflicting
utility infrastructures into a safer. co st-effectiver regional water supply and drought
protection system;

. Union Park is a unique win~win water and power project for the untapped Gunnison
Basin of origin_ and for urban and rural stakeholders throughout both slopes;

. Recent geologic and engineering fieldwork indicates Union Park's modern 575 feet
high, roller-compactedl concrete dam can be constructed to safely store up to 1..2
million acre..feet, for about $400 million ($300 per acrewfoot);