Southwest - La Plata West Rural Domestic Water Supply_Basin Application

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The Bald Eagle has been delisted, and is therefore no longer regulated under the Endangered Species Act; however the species is still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Eagle Protection Act. The presence of the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the La Plata River riparian corridor depends on weather and food availability. The Bald Eagle would benefit from increased streamflows in the La Plata, and the associated improvement of riparian habitat, including the BOR riparian mitigation area. The return flows from the water supply system will assist in providing flows in the lower La Plata River for native species, including Roundtail Chub. There are no other Threatened or Endangered Species or Colorado Species of Concern that are found within the project area. A full Biological Assessment will be completed for the project and evaluate any potential impacts to all protected species. q) The water activity orovides a hiah level of benefit to Colorado in relationshio to the amount of funds reauested. The funding from this grant will be used to make important progress in the next step of developing the water supply system. The system is a large project that will involve collaboration between government, non-government and tribal entities. It will make a significant contribution to delivering future M&I water supplies and address existing needs in the region. r) The water activity is comolimentarv to or assists in the imolementation of other CWCB oroarams. There are no current CWCB programs in the service area. s) The water activity helos suooort the State's economic vitalitv and comoetitiveness in national and international markets. The water supply system will create the potential for commercial growth and diversifying the income base in the County, thereby improving the overall economy. It will also improve the quality of life and future stability for residents in the area.