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Capitol Representatives Report Marge Price and David Howlett with Capitol Representatives gave an update on Chatfield's federal efforts. They asked that those water users groups that have not yet provided a letter of support to do so. CR will provide a suggested draft if that would be helpful. The following organizations will be asked to provide letters: Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District, Parker Water and Sanitation District, Perry Park Country Club and South Metro Water Supply Authority. Cecily Mui with South Suburban Parks and Recreation District indicated their interest in providing a letter of support. An update on the status of FY2008 funding was given. It was noted that the President Bush did sign the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Though funding for domestic programs, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was approved, there is a bit of uncertainty regarding the President's signing statement that directs OMB to review the earmarks contained in the bill. This might result in a slowdown of the release of the funding. CR will continue to monitor this situation. It was reported that the FY2009 request will likely be around $190,000 although that has not been confirmed. Until this is confirmed with the Corps, a placeholder figure of $400,000 has been identified as the FY2009 figure. The spring trip to Washington, DC will take place March 5 through March 7. Meetings will be held with the Corps, members/staff of the Colorado congressional delegation and possibly OMB. CR asked the coordinating committee members to confirm participation in the trip. An email follow up will be sent out to the Chatfield emaillist regarding the upcoming trip. It was asked if the coordinating committee members would have interest in hosting a Chatfield project field trip in August. It could be similar to the field trip held in 2006. People participating include water users groups, CWCB, Chatfield supporters, other interested parties and Corps professional staff. Members and/or professional staff from the Colorado congressional delegation would be invited as well. This will be discussed further at the February coordinating committee meeting. Other Discussion Topics Bill Ruzzo asked what the status of public relations coordination is. Tom Browning reported that regular briefings are being held with Harris Sherman, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and his staff. CWCB will work with the department's newly designated Public Information Officer (PIO). Dave Giger queried whether this is in Tetra Tech's scope of work. Brooke Fox noted that this will be on future agendas, but that there isn't any new information. The idea that came out of the December meeting is to have a PR plan in place as the draft EIS becomes public and subject to public comment. Hopefully the department's various involved divisions will be on the same page. The Corps will have the schedule on their web site. Ronda Sandquist said she believes that we'll want to be involved and supplement this PR effort. Brooke said the water users may want to make one or more presentations as part of the