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flows to provide in -state beneficial uses and reduce shortages to target flows. This approach <br />involves capturing and controlling flows for beneficial use in Colorado that are in excess of <br />water users' needs, compact requirements, and species needs. Reregulation of these flows <br />will occur so that they return to the river at times when there is a greater opportunity to <br />beneficially use them in Colorado and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines there are <br />flow shortages. <br />Study Objective <br />The proposed Study will identify and evaluate potential surface water storage facilities and <br />associated management options in the lower South Platte Basin in Colorado. The Study <br />should identify options for improving the management of South Platte River flows for <br />beneficial use in Colorado and aid Colorado in our participation in the Proposed Program. <br />This information should help decision makers in evaluating the most effective means of <br />developing and managing Colorado's water commitments under the Proposed Program <br />consistent with state law, the interstate compact, sound water management principles, and <br />protection of existing and future uses within Colorado. <br />Water management facilities used in conjunction with groundwater re- regulation could allow <br />Colorado to "fine tune" water management actions so that we efficiently meet and protect <br />existing uses in Colorado and concurrently meet our Proposed Program commitments. The <br />facilities could also provide added instate benefits by helping to offset future depletions and <br />increase water rights administration flexibility. <br />The Study will include but not be limited to: identifying new surface water storage sites; an <br />analysis of existing surface water storage sites that could be modified or expanded; an <br />evaluation of options for conveyance of water to and from each site; a review of operating <br />plans for existing storage sites; and recommendations that could increase water yield <br />associated with these structures. <br />The Study will primarily focus on the identification of opportunities for surface water <br />storage. However, the Study will also provide a general summary of options for operating <br />surface water storage in conjunction with ground water recharge. <br />DRAFT FINAL - September 2000 <br />