Rio Grande - Platoro Reservoir Restoration_BRT Approval Letter

Home Browse Search

At the regular R.G.R.T meeting on June 10, 2008, members voted unanimously to request funding from SB 2005 - 179 - Basin-wide and Statewide Funds, for the Platoro Reservoir Restoration Project as follows. PROJECT AND AMOUNT REQUESTED SOURCE SIB 179 Platoro Reservoir Restoration Project STATE $ 200,000.00 PLA TORO RESERVOIR RESTORATION PROJECT BASIN $ 50,000.00 The planned three-phase restoration of the Platoro repairs, replaces, and upgrades existing structures and equipment that have reached the end of their 50-year useful life. Phase I, funded by the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), installs a bypass piping system to divert water while repairs are completed, thus maintaining a federally mandated minimum flow of 7cfs and creating a system for similar future bypass needs. Phase II, paid for by the Conejos Water Conservancy District (the District), re-coats and paints 440 feet of penstock just above the butterfly valves in each discharge tube. As stated above, Phase III, for which this proposal seeks SB-179 funding, replaces the worn out valves and operators on the dam with new ones, thus securing the current and future operational integrity of this high-risk reservoir - a critically important asset in Colorado's ability to fulfill its obligations to the Rio Grande Compact. Working with the District, the Colorado Division of Water Resources (CDWR) has actively used Platoro as part of Colorado's Rio Grande Compact operations to maximize the diversion of water in Colorado and to minimize over- or under-delivery to the downstream states under the Compact. CDWR maintains a small Compact account in Platoro that can be used as needed for Compact operations. The Division of Wildlife maintains a conservation pool of Transmountain water in Platoro as a buffer for aquatic species in dry years. The Colorado Water Conservation Board has used Platoro reservoir several times to exchange or save Division of Wildlife water when Trujillo Meadows Reservoir has been lowered to effect needed repairs. These are some examples of the importance of Platoro and the large measure of cooperation and collaboration among the many water users who are stakeholders in this Project. The maintenance and long-term stewardship of Platoro Reservoir is vital to all water users in the District, ensuring reliable flows for flood control, agricultural uses, recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement. The deliverables from this three phase Project include full functionality to this high-risk reservoir; protecting valuable recreational assets, particularly in the popular downstream Page 2 of 4