7281 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7281
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Environmental Assessment, November 1987.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

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CHAPTER II ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
D. Comparison of the Proposed Action with the "No Action" Alternative
A tabular comparison of the two alternatives is provided in Tables II-1-A and
II-1-B. The two alternatives appear very similar in the types of actions to
be undertaken. However, important differences exist, and are discussed below
to facilitate understanding:
1. Coordination: The Proposed Action outlines a coordinated
Federal/State/private effort overseen by a Recovery Implementation
Committee. Under the "No Action" alternative, project sponsors,
Federal agencies, and State agencies will coordinate on a case-by-case
basis.
2. Recovery timeframe: The Proposed Action sets an initial recovery
timeframe of 15 years. Since the "No Action" alternative is primarily
' a protective effort, no recovery timeframe is specified.
3. Funding:
a. Special one-time funds: The Proposed Action assumes at least $15
million is provided by Congress for water rights acquisition and
1 construction purposes. Under the "No Action" alternative, special
funding is unlikely.
b. Annual funds: The Proposed Action assumes $2.1 million/year from
' Federal agencies and $0.2 million/year in total from participating
States. The "No Action" alternative assumes $1.0 million/year
will be contributed by Federal agencies and $0.2 million/year in
' total by participating States.
c. Intermittent funds: Once the program is successfully underway,
the Proposed Action will allow all project sponsors to make a
monetary contribution to offset indirect depletion impacts. The
"No Action" alternative is expected to allow small-volume
depleters to offset depletion impacts through monetary
contributions, but only if other reasonable and prudent
alternatives are not available.
' 4. Recovery elements:
a. Water and water rights:
(1) Condemnation of water rights: Under the Proposed Action, the
Secretary will not condemn water. Under the "No Action"
alternative, extraordinary circumstances might compel the
Secretary to condemn water to avoid jeopardy to the
endangered fishes.
(2) Water acquisition: The Proposed Action will provide the
' Secretary with the financial resources necessary to purchase
or lease water. Under the "No Action" alternative,
acquisition of water through purchase or lease arrangements
' II-9