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• Increase non-consumptive uses associated with recreation (fishing and <br />boating) <br />• Significantly increase and enhance riparian areas and wetlands <br />• Significantly improve habitat for wildlife and improve fisheries <br />• Facilitate the proper operation of the Continental/Santa Maria water system to <br />control flows to the Rio Grande from both reservoirs. <br />Implementation and construction of the necessary on-site work will be guided by the <br />results of the studies, which are the subject of this request for funding. <br />The deliverables from this Project will be to provide alternatives to address the above <br />issues; to isolate and/or to integrate specific issues in order to select the most effective <br />measures to cure the overall systemic problems; to optimize the selection process for <br />the various alternatives; and to provide the required engineering and cost estimates in <br />order to proceed with implementation. <br />This Project fulfills many of the consumptive and nonconsumptive use objectives <br />identified in the "Water Supply and Needs Report for the Rio Grande Basin" (SWSI) in <br />that SMR has been working closely with CDOW to assist them in reaching their water <br />use goals and storage objectives. Water stored by these reservoirs for CDOW will <br />include Transmountain water, with cooperative and innovative negotiations presently <br />underway to expand multiple uses and benefits throughout the Rio Grande System. <br />The Project will provide information to expand the uses of the Santa Maria/Continental <br />reservoir system to include and to more efficiently address both consumptive and non- <br />consumptive needs of the Rio Grande Basin. This will include the potential to store <br />additional water for irrigation, to store more water for third parties, and to increase <br />storage of Rio Grande Compact water. In addition, the SWSI goal to increase non- <br />consumptive uses associated with recreational fishing and boating will be met by <br />identifying opportunities throughout the System, which will enhance those activities. <br />Collaboration in this project has involved the active support of the Rio Grande Water <br />Conservation District, the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande <br />Water Users, and the Colorado Division of Water Resources. For effects upon <br />recreation, wildlife, and flood control the Boards of Commissioners of Hinsdale and <br />Mineral Counties have advised this project. SMR has also incorporated the concerns of <br />Alamosa County Commissioners and Rio Grande County Commissioners relating to <br />flood control issues for the municipalities of Alamosa, Monte Vista and Del Norte. Each <br />county strongly endorses this project for the positive effects it will have in protecting <br />their agrarian tax base. Letters of support express the advice and input SMR has <br />obtained from many stakeholders as it prepares to conduct the necessary studies to <br />restore the Santa Maria and Continental Reservoirs to their full functionality and <br />potential. <br />Page 3 of 4