Arkansas - CSU Geospatial DSS for Integrated Water Mgmt_Water Activity Summary

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Discussion: The original application was for the implementation of a geospatial decision support system for integrated water management in the Arkansas River basin. Since the CWCB already has an ongoing decision support system (DSS) in all major river basins within the state and is in the process of carrying out a DSS feasibility study in the Arkansas, it was felt that this effort was premature and in some ways redundant to an existing State effort. Representatives from the Arkansas BRT, State and applicant meet on two occasions to see what part of the application could move forward while the CWCB Arkansas feasibility study was conducted. It was agreed that CWCB staff would provide an outline of tasks, taken from the original application, that would complement the CWCB f Lure DSS in the basin and build upon the work that the applicant has already done within the basin and work with the applicant in refining the scope of work. The amended scope of work is a reflection of the applicant and CWCB staff working together to develop a product that would help the water users and CWCB future DSS efforts in the basin. Issues/Additional Needs: It is recommended that this approval be contingent upon the applicant continuing to work with CWCB staff on further refinement of scoped tasks and deliverables and that CWCB staff oversee the work effort. The applicant should work with CWCB staff on a final scope of work, tasks, deliverables, and budget for the first two years of the project. Staff Recommendation: The revised application is well prepared and the proposed project furthers the Arkansas Basin Roundtable's needs assessment. It also helps address a critical water resource issue within the basin. The applicant has estimated a three year timeframe and $875,000 for the amended scope of work. Staff recommends funding the first two years of the project in the amount of $600,000; $100,000 from the Arkansas Basin Account and $500,000 from the Statewide Account to help fund the Data Collection in the Arkansas River Basin project contingent on resolution of the item in the issues/additional needs section. All products, data and information developed as a result of this grant must be provided to CWCB in hard copy and electronic format as part of the project documentation. This information will in turn be made widely available to Basin Roundtables and the general public and will help promote the development of a common technical platform. 2