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1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />t <br />► FY 95 CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ITEMS <br />Bureau of Reclamation (Continued) <br />o Floodplain Restoration - Historically, floodplains throughout the Upper Colorado River <br />Basin were inundated each year by spring runoff, but today much of the river has become <br />channelized by levees, dikes, rip -rap, and the invasion of the exotic plant, tamarisk. <br />Numerous studies have documented the importance of flooding to the overall health of the <br />river ecosystem and the associated fish community. Restoration of flooded bottomlands is <br />thought to be especially important for the endangered razorback sucker and will provide <br />benefits for a variety of wetland- dependent wildlife. Five sites (three in Utah and two in <br />Colorado) are being evaluated in FY 94 for potential acquisition, restoration, and /or <br />management. FY 94 funding is needed to implement management and restoration plans at <br />the high priority sites. <br />o Endangered Fish Hatchery Construction - Additional hatchery and research facilities are <br />needed in the upper basin to prevent extinction of the endangered fishes, protect against the <br />loss of unique genetic resources, produce fish for stocking /reintroduction efforts, and <br />provide a laboratory for research on the endangered fishes. Current facilities are overtaxed <br />and inadequate to meet anticipated needs. FY 94 funds are being used to conduct a <br />feasibility study and prepare design specifications for hatchery sites at Craig, Colorado, <br />Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, and Wahweap warmwater ponds, Utah. Construction is <br />planned for these sites in FY 94. <br />The President's proposed FY 95 budget contains $2.73 million for implementing these projects. <br />Water acquisition projects will be partially funded with the remaining funds ($428,000) <br />appropriated by Congress in 1988 for the Recovery Program. <br />