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species (27 species and 13 subspecies) have become extinct (Miller et al. 1989). The majority of these extinctions were related to the alteration of habitat and the detrimental effects of introduced fishes. Between 1989 and 1997, the Recovery Program reported a total expenditure of over $54 million. The cost for implementation of the Program is estimated between $60 and $112 million through the year 2003. About two-thirds of the funding will be used for a variety of capital construction projects including restoration of floodplain habitats, acquisition of water and water rights, construction offish passageways, and construction of facilities for growing fish for stocking. The Recovery Program is certainly not without controversy or problems; however, it is recognized by many water leaders as the best way to avoid conflicts between laws enacted by Congress to preserve and protect endangered species and use of water to meet human needs and to enhance the quality of peoples' lives. It is a cost of having reliable and safe water supplies in the and west. The States of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah; Federal agencies, water users, power users, and environmental groups have joined to carry out and fund recovery actions such as the GVIC fish passage. They feel the alternative of endless litigation is not in the public interest. #2. At the time of publication of the draft EA, only one Colorado squawfish had used the Redlands Fish Ladder on the Gunnison River; and this lack of use was cited as a reason not to build another fish passage. Use of the Redlands Fish Ladder has increased substantially. This year (1997) is the first full year of operation. As of August 18, 1997, 18 Colorado squawfish have used the ladder and moved up into the Gunnison River. This level of use is considered very encouraging that fish will indeed use these ladders/passages and upstream habitats will be opened for the fish. In addition to the endangered fish, thousands of other native fish have used the Redlands Ladder. 43. Concerns were expressed on the effect on water rights and water uses. Appendix B contains detailed information on stream flow and water rights and has been updated in response to several comments. Overall the project is designed to not interfere with water uses or to increase costs to water users. It is recognized that there will be operational costs for the proposal; and if fish screens are included in the future, these could be substantial. These costs will be borne by the Recovery Program. The passage project will not proceed without the approval of GVIC, the water user organization most affected. #4. Commentors requested that operation and maintenance costs (and responsibilities) be spelled out more clearly and should not be the responsibility of GVIC. All operation and maintenance costs will be funded by the Recovery Program or the Fish and Wildlife Service. This includes costs offish screens if they are needed in the future. Prior to construction, GVIC, Reclamation, and the Fish and Wildlife Service will all sign operation agreements spelling this out. Without this agreement, construction will not occur. 25