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facilities can be operated and maintained while the fish continue their recovery, even after the specific agreements requiring non-federal participation lapse. • Establishes a cost-ceiling and a schedule for funding and implementing the capital projects needed to recover the federally-protected species. The Upper Colorado River Program has served as the "reasonable and prudent alternative" to avoid unacceptable "jeopardy" Endangered Species Act Section 7 decisions for more than 200 water supply construction projects. These projects located in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, allow an aggregate capability to deplete more than 225,000 acre-feet of water per year from the Colorado River basin. Likewise, the San Juan River Program has served as the "reasonable and prudent alternative" for Phase I of the Animas-La Plata Project (57,100 acre feet of future depletion) in Colorado and New Mexico; and the Navajo Indian Irrigation project (133,000 acre feet of pre-program depletion) in New Mexico. It will also provide alternatives for future development as "sufficient" progress is made in the recovery of the endangered fish. I think it is also worth noting that none of the bills that have been introduced in recent years to amend the Endangered Species Act would change the need for these recovery programs. Indeed, most of the amendments put even greater emphasis on local efforts to protect threatened and endangered species. These recovery programs have effectively given a greater voice to state agencies, as well as development and environmental interests, and have shifted the focus of our efforts from the regulatory scene to the development of solutions for important resource conflicts. While the legislation directly benefits the upper Colorado Basin recovery programs, the lower states recognize the important precedent it establishes. I hope that you will support this legislation, and lend your voice to those of federal, state, local and environmental leaders who believe that the recovery program offers the best opportunity to address water needs and environmental obligations in the and West. Very truly yours, Tohn W. Mumma, Director, Colorado Division of Wildlife Chairman, Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council 1 1