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are willing to provide so that we can retain the same contract consultant (Hydrosphere Resources, Inc.) to complete the initial characterization and analysis of these regional opportunities. Following this "phase I" analysis, the participants will evaluate these opportunities in combination to determine the most effective combination of projects for meeting long range needs of the metro area. �,, µ�4 South Platte Decision Support System. Much of the modeling, water administration tools, and system software developed in CRDSS can directly apply to the South Platte basin. However, the South Platte basin will require a strong around water modeling component that was not required in the Colorado River basins. As in all basins, the validity of the system will depend on adequate and high - quality data. We have initiated increased data collection efforts in the South Platte, and these efforts must naturally be accelerated to support both the decision support system, as well as the other basin -wide projects which are currently active in the South Platte basin. South Platte River Compact and Issues. The South Plate River Compact is one of the more favorable compacts negotiated by Colorado in that it only applies to the lower basin in Washington, Logan, and Sedgwick Counties. Furthermore, it only recognizes the June 14, 1897, priority of the Western Canal in Nebraska for 120 cfs during the irrigation season. Even though the Compact is relatively straightforward, Nebraska officials have recently indicated that they think it applies to a larger area. Another challenge is to insure that the well augmentation associations and interests are properly augmenting for their impacts on senior water rights and stateline flows. We have no reason to believe at this time that they are not. However, we need better analysis tools such as the models within a decision support system (DSS) to conduct a through evaluation. The DSS will also allow us to better evaluate the ability to use some of our unused compact entitlements and to evaluate our performance under the Platte River Memorandum of Agreement concerning recovery of the endangered species. Nebraska v Wyoming — Colorado has been closely monitoring this case to assure that its water interests are protected generally and in particular as the case relates to endangered species issues in the Central Platte Valley. Relicensing of Kingsley Dam (Lake McConahay) — The relicensing of Kingsley Dam is directly connected to the Nebraska v Wyoming case and settlement of endangered species issues in the Central Platte Valley. The Section 7 Consultation addresses matters related to the flow regime on the South Platte, North Platte and Platte Rivers. FERC will decide what impact Kingsley has and what Kingsley has to do for ESA compliance. As a result, water rights, contracts and obligations of other existing projects on these streams could be affected by the outcome of the relicensing proceedings since any remaining ESA burden would fall on the other projects. Platte River Memorandum of Agreement Concerning Recovery of the Endangered Species — Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and Interior have reached agreement in principle on a program to protect endangered species in the Central Platte Valley while allowing water use and development to continue in accord with state water law and entitlements under interstate compacts. The agreement is two phased. Phase one establishes a three year period during which USFWS will review the propose program as required by NEPA and ESA. The second phase or Program Phase will require a new agreement that extends indefinitely but be implemented in increments of about 10- years. If the Program terminates, USFWS will reinitiate consultation on all projects that have relied on the MOA or Program. C;\msoffice \wi nword \document \basi nisuues December 30, 1997 Page 17 of 19