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ACTIVITIES THAT SHOULD BE COMPLETED <br />IN COLORADO TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM AGREEMENT <br />Assuming the Program Agreement is signed, there are many activities that must be <br />implemented in Colorado to assure compliance. It is important for state agencies, the <br />legislature, water users and the public to understand these activities, and be prepared to <br />pursue them. During the three -year Cooperative Agreement period, Colorado would <br />commit to $300,000 per year, and would undertake planning for development of the <br />Tamarack and other reregulation projects. The Legislature has already planned for these <br />potential activities, by establishing an interim committee. under S.B. 74 (1996). This <br />committee is specifically charged to address Colorado's participation in programs to <br />comply with the ESA. Water user organizations in the South Platte River Basin should <br />also begin to explore ways to finance the implementation of proposed program activities. <br />CONCLUSION <br />The Cooperative Agreement and the Proposed Program offer positive solutions to <br />contentious issues in water project compliance with the requirements of the Endangered <br />Species Act. The Program provides a framework under which cooperative and <br />programmatic activities can serve as the reasonable and prudent alternative under the <br />ESA. If the Program is implemented, the three states and the Department of Interior will <br />achieve a large measure of regulatory certainty for water users, and protect and restore <br />valuable habitat for endangered species in the Central Platte River Valley in Nebraska. <br />13 <br />