Rio Grande - Santa Maria & Continental Reservoirs: Rehabilitation & Multi Use Studies_Application

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Water Supply Reserve Account - Grant Application Form Form Revised May 2007 guidelines as detailed above. The water activity is consistent with Section 37-75-102 C.R.S. because this project updates prior studies, conducts engineering and hydrology studies prior to structural repairs and upgrades on existing structures, and performs a multi-use enlargement inventory- of all assets at, and resulting from the optimization of, Santa Maria and Continental Reseivoirs. This project therefore does not supersede, abrogate, or otherwise impair the State's current system of allocating water within Colorado nor does it in any- manner repeal or amend the existing -xvater rights adjudication system. This project does not affect the State constitutions recognition of water rights as a private usufructuary- property right nor is it intended to restrict the ability of the holder of a water right to use or to dispose of that water right in any manner permitted under Colorado law. The water activity underwent an evaluation and approval process and was approved by the Basin Roundtable (BRT) and the application includes a description of the results of the BRTs evaluation and approval of the activity. At a minimum, the description must include the level of agreement reached by the roundtable, including any minority opinion(s) if there was not general agreement for the activity. The description must also include reasons why general agreement was not reached (if it was not), including,,vho opposed the activity and why the- opposed it. Note- If this information is included in the letter from the roundtable chair simply reference that letter. • This information is included in the cover letter from the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable to CWCB, which accompanies this proposal. 4. The water activity meets the provisions of Section 37-75-104(2), Colorado Revised Statutes. The requirements/language from the statute is provided in Part 3 of the Criteria and Guidelines. This water activity meets the provisions of Section 37-75-104 (2) (c), C.R.S. regarding the results of SWSI in that SMR has been working closely- with CDOW to assist them in reaching then water use goals and storage objectives. Water stored by these reseivoirs for CDOW will include Transmountam water, with cooperative and innovative negotiations presently being under ivav to expand multiple uses and benefits throughout the Rio Grande System. The Project will provide information to expand the uses of the Santa Maria/Continental reseivon system to include and to more efficiently address both consumptive and non-consumptive needs of the Rio Grande Basin. This will include the potential to store additional water for irrigation, to store more water for third parties, and to increase storage of Rio Grande Compact water. hi addition, the SWSI goal to increase non- consumptive uses associated with recreation (fishing and boating) will be met by identifying opportunities throughout the System which will enhance those activities. Rehabilitation of the System will also provide greater opportunities for flood control. In this process, SMR has consulted with and obtained the active support of the Rio Grande Water Conseivation District, the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Water Users, and the Colorado Division of Water Resources. For effects upon recreation, wildlife, and flood control the Boards of Commissioners of Hinsdale and Mineral Counties have advised this project. SMR has also incorporated the concerns of Alainosa County Commissioners and Rio Grande County Commissioners relating to flood control issues for the municipalities of 6