ALP 6

as
La Plata Archuleta Water District
November 27, 2012
Mr. Ed Warner, Area Manager
Western Colorado Area Office
2764 Compass Drive
Grand Junction, Colorado 81506
RE: City of Durango Annexation of Reclamation's ALP Property
Dear Mr. Warner:
It has come to the attention of the La Plata Archuleta Water District (LAPLAWD) that the City of Durango is considering
requesting that the property held by Reclamation for the Animas -La Plata Project (ALP) and specifically Lake Nighthorse be
annexed to the City in order for the City Police to provide law enforcement while managing the recreation component of the
project. LAPLAWD fully supports the City being responsible for recreation around the lake including the annexation if that
is necessary. However, LAPLAWD has a small concern regarding the annexation as explained below.
As you may know LAPLAWD is in the process of obtaining a portion of the State of Colorado's water supply from ALP for
municipal use within its District. Also, Reclamation prepared an appraisal level study of a water treatment plant and related
facilities for LAPLAWD to utilize its portion of the State's water; these facilities would be located on the land held by
Reclamation for ALP below the dam. LAPLAWD understands that Reclamation has requirements in order to obtain a
license to construct the water treatment facilities on Reclamation land. LAPLAWD's concern with the City's annexation of
the Reclamation property is that LAPLAWD may also have to meet the City's requirements (e.g. planning approval, building
permit, etc.) to construct the water treatment facilities. While the District has no problem with building to current codes and
standards, we don't see the need for an extra level of bureaucracy that may not be warranted.
This letter is to request that as part of the annexation agreement, either that portion of Reclamation land below the dam be
explicitly excluded from the annexation or that it is specifically stated that any water treatment facilities (buildings, tanks,
pipelines, pumps, power lines, fencing, etc.) constructed by LAPLAWD on Reclamation land below the dam, only have to
meet Reclamation license requirements and that the City has no jurisdiction regarding such facilities. This is only for
facilities below the dam and would not have any impact upon recreation around the lake. We believe there are several ways
this request could be implemented and would be glad to work with Reclamation, the City, and others to accomplish this
request.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. We look forward to working with you to resolve this issue in a manner that
accomplishes the goals for all parties.
Sincerely,
Edward Tolen
General Manager
Cc Robert Wolff, President ALPWCD
Russ Howard, Manager ALP Association
P.O. Box 13771 Ignacio, Colorado 81137
Phone [phone]
Fax (970)5+63 -032;
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