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would let people scope out the waves without making the trip to the park, something that could be <br />especially helpful as people learn what the waves are like at different levels of river flow. Some kayakers <br />have said waves have been pretty good so far but should get better with bigger flows. <br />Workers diverted the Colorado River this winter to construct both sides of the park. In early March, some <br />final adjustments were made. The park is designed to create waves during a wide range of flows. The <br />highest flow this year so far was about 1,700 cfs. <br />The park was designed by RiverRestoration.org and built by American Civil Constructors of Littleton for <br />an $888,838 contract after about seven years of effort from local whitewater park advocates. Some expect <br />it to be an economic boost and tourism generator for the city that will provide a positive activity for <br />young people and make Glenwood more interesting. Park enthusiasts say Glenwood's whitewater park is <br />unique because the Colorado River has higher water flows through Glenwood compared to elsewhere in <br />Colorado, which will allow Glenwood to host international-level kayaking competitions. <br />Joe Mollica, a driving force behind the whitewater park, plans to reduce the Glenwood Springs <br />Whitewater Park Committee's role and turn over the park to the Parks and Recreation and the Chamber <br />Resort Association. A parking lot, kayak drop-off site, landscaping and installation of portable toilets still <br />need to be finished. A second phase of construction to begin next year would include a permanent <br />bathroom facility, benches and a kayak viewing area and additional rock work along the riverbanks. The <br />park committee also recommends adding signs stating life jackets are required and helmets are <br />recommended, plus a sign upstream of the park explaining that the wave feature is below and the easiest <br />passage for boats is on the right. (Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent) <br />PLATTE RIVER BASIN <br />SENATE PASSES PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION <br />AUTHORIZATION ACT - On April 10, 2008 the United States Senate passed the Platte River <br />Recovery Implementation Authorization Act, as part of an omnibus public lands and water legislation <br />(5.2739). Then on April 29, 2008 the House concurred with the legislation and this legislation recently <br />received the President's signature. I would like to extend my thanks to Senators Salazar and Allard and <br />Representative Udall for their leadership regarding this important legislation. In addition, former <br />Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, Don Ament and Ted Kowalski, of the CWCB Staff, should be <br />thanked for their work on this legislation. With the federal authorizing legislation in place, the Program <br />can begin using federal appropriations for capital expenditures such as land purchases. Attachment 6d-11. <br />(Ted Kowalski) <br />GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CONTINUES PROGRESS OF PLATTE PROGRAM - <br />The Governance Committee ("G.C.") continues to make progress in implementing the Platte River <br />Program. The G.C. and Executive Director's Office have many different projects that they are pursuing <br />in the implementation of the Platte Program. The Program has issued two additional Requests for <br />Proposals ("RFPs") work related to water quality and related to establishment of the Independent Science <br />Advisory Committee. The G.C. met in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Apri18-9 2008 and the next meeting is <br />set for June 10-ll, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. For more information visit: www.platteriverprogram.org. <br />(~'ed Kowalski) <br />~~ ~~ <br />~ 19 ~~ <br />