Laserfiche WebLink
MEMORANDUM - Ruedi Reservoir <br />Page 4 <br />This alternative would require Congressional direction for Reclamation to reallocate <br />the costs of Ruedi Reservoir. It will also require a new Section 7 consultation and <br />NEPA. <br />® Reallocate the entire 21,650 AF to fish and wildlife (non- reimbursable). Both Peter <br />and I stated that we believe this alternative is unacceptable to the West Slope and it <br />should not be considered a serious alternative because it would permanently <br />reallocate yield for fish purposes. It would also require Congressional direction to <br />Reclamation. Without West Slope or CWCB support, Congress will be reluctant to <br />act. <br />Where do we go from here <br />Both Reclamation and the CWCB have informed the Service that Reclamation must resume <br />its processing of Ruedi Round II contracts. In fact, my understanding is that Reclamation will not <br />be requesting an annual contract for the delivery of surplus Ruedi water beyond 10,000 AF until this <br />issue is resolved. I would push the CWCB to require that as a condition of moving on any of the <br />alternatives, Reclamation must resume issuing these contracts. <br />My view is that the only real options are #4 (repayment freeze) and #5 (split the baby). In <br />reviewing the options, there several other factors to consider: <br />a. There are secondary benefits to a strategy that delivers Ruedi water to the 15- <br />mile Reach during the late summer months. Flows are improved in the <br />Roaring Fork River and Colorado River from Glenwood Springs to Palisade <br />and the water quality at Cameo is improved (TDS reduced). <br />b. In this memo, I have referred to the CWCB as the purchaser of the surplus <br />Ruedi water. However, it may be more appropriate for a coalition of the <br />River District, the CWCB and local Roaring Fork Valley governments (the <br /># Ruedi Water & Power Authority) to purchase the surplus water. Any <br />Congressional action will require support from both the West Slope and <br />CWCB. <br />C. Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District remains lurking in the <br />background. Its attorney has indicated that even though the West Slope is <br />required to repay the compensatory portion of Ruedi Reservoir, the first use <br />of the water is to protect deliveries to the East Slope. <br />