Southwest - La Plata West Rural Domestic Water Supply_Statewide Application

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basin. Therefore} it is anticipated that the rural domestic water supply system will assist indirectly in meeting Colorado}s La Plata River Compact requirements. p) The water activity assists in the recovery of threatened and endanaered wildlife species or Colorado state species of concern. The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)} a threatened and endangered species} was observed within the project area which provides suitable habitat for the species during a 1997 survey. However} a 2003 survey found the species to be absent from the area. 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 Biological Assessment for the project is in progress and will evaluate any potential impacts to all protected species. q) The water activity provides a hiah level of benefit to Colorado in relationship to the amount of funds reauested. The funding from this grant will be used to make important progress in the development of the domestic 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 complimentary to or assists in the implementation of other CWCB proarams. There are no current CWCB programs in the project area. However} the SWSI notes that a instream flow right on the La Plata River is desirable. This project may facilitate this goal by providing a new water supply to users in the basin. s) The water activity helps support the State's economic vitality and competitiveness 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.