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Page 2 <br />Appendix 1 <br />The Durango City Council adopted a resolution on February 23, 2006 authorizing the <br />appropriation of water for a Recreational In- Channel Diversion for the Durango Boating <br />Park. <br />Need for RICD <br />Commercial and recreational boating is a strong economic generator for the City of <br />Durango. The Parks and Recreation Department issues annual permits to commercial <br />rafting and kayaking companies each year. In 2005, the City issued 10 permits to the <br />following commercial companies: Mild to Wild Rafting, Kanakuk Kamps, Four Corners <br />River Sports, Mountain Waters Rafting, Adaptive Sports Association, Flexible Flyers <br />Rafting, Southwest Whitewater, Outlaw Tours, Peregrine River Outfitters, and Durango <br />Rivertrippers. The commercial companies generally operate from April through October, <br />however, there is also year round kayak training which occurs on the Animas River in <br />town. <br />The estimated cost to construct the Durango Boating Park at Smelter Rapid site is in <br />excess of $500,000. While the City of Durango is prepared to invest in these <br />improvements, it is essential that the RICD water rights are secured prior to any new <br />construction. The RICD water rights will protect the City's investment in the Durango <br />Boating Park and provide a reliable source of water for recreational use in the future. <br />The Durango Boating Park will provide an attraction that would invite users from outside <br />of the region for recreation, events and competition. Tourism and the economic benefit <br />of the boating park are vital to the City of Durango. The Animas River is a focal point in <br />Durango and the greenway adjacent to the river includes ten City parks connected by a <br />hard surface trail throughout the City. Whitewater recreation combined with the other <br />notable attractions in area draws over one million visitors to the region each year. The <br />RICD water rights will ensure that the Durango Boating Park will remain a viable <br />whitewater park facility for future generations. <br />Catherine Metz, Parks and Recreation Director <br />City of Durango <br />949 E. Second Avenue <br />Durango, CO 81301 <br />(970) 375 -7329 <br />