Importance of Funding and Implementing the Tamarack Project

Home Browse Search

The Importance of Funding and Implementing the Tamarack Project The SCTF request to complete construction at the Tamarack State Wildlife (Tamarack Project) is extremely important and should not be reduced. The Tamarack Project is a multipurpose water project that can accomplish several important objectives as outlined below. The Tamarack Project is in essence an underground storage project where water can be taken in times of plenty and returned to the river in times of shortage. It is cost effective when compared to traditional reservoir storage and has the advantage of very low evaporative loss that is typical for reservoirs in the eastern plains. The Tamarack Project is located in the lower South Platte river basin. The South Platte river is relied upon by the major municipal and industrial entities along the front range of Colorado and serves a large portion of Colorado's population. It is also a major resource to the Agricultural community including the beef, poultry, pork industries as well a traditional irrigated crops (i.e., corn, sugar, hay, alfalfa, onions etc.). Water demands on the South Platte equal and at times can exceed the available supplies. Additional storage and water management on the South Platte is critical to our economy and future growth opportunities. There is currently tremendous pressure on water users in the South Platte as a result of the drought and increased water demands as a result of growth along the front - range. This in part has lead to litigation over the use of water resources of the Platte. While the Tamarack project by itself will not alleviate these issues it is an important component to resolving water management issues because it helps provide water when demand is greatest and during periods where supplies may be limited. The Tamarack project will also help provide greater certainty ensuring compliance with the South Platte Compact. The Compact is between Colorado and Nebraska and allocates water between our states. The drought has caused increased pressure to ensure Compact compliance and the Tamarack project is another option to help with Compact compliance. The Tamarack Project also can provide several environmental benefits. The Tamarack project will help protect instate minnow species of concern by providing more consistent habitat conditions. The Tamarack project will also help address endangered species issues, which are affecting front range water users. Water resource development and management is a top priority for the state and is the subject of several legislative and administrative initiatives. The Tamarack project is a tangible and feasible project that advances the principles and objectives outlined by Colorado's leaders.