Final Draft ALP Marketing Supply and Demand Study

A -LP Water Animas -La Plata Water Marketing Supply and Demand Study
• Water Supply Reserve Accounts (WSRA)
Section 5
The WSRA provides either grants or loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing critical water
supply issues. The funds can be used to help eligible entities (entities with projects approved by at least
one of Colorado's nine Basin Roundtables) with permitting, feasibility studies, and environmental
compliance. Funds can also be used for either structural or non - structural water projects.
A $400,000 grant from WSRA was recently given to the La Plata Archuleta Water District (LPAWD) for
continued work on the District's Master Plan (November 2009). Specifically, the funding is being used to
complete the LPAWD's Technical, Management and Financial Capacity Report which includes: treatment
plant design, financial plan and rate structure, and the operating plan and staffing. Current State budget
issues may affect the availability of funds from these three sources. A $1.1 million Statewide WSRA was
granted to the Animas La -Plata Water Conservancy District for a portion of the design and construction
for the intake tower at Lake Nighthorse Reservoir. Recently the CWCB also awarded a $25,000 grant to
the Animas La Plata Water Conservancy District to assist in developing the recreational plan required to
utilize Lake Nighthorse as a recreation area.
Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority (CWR &PDA) Programs
Funding for water projects may also be obtained through programs of the CWR &PDA. The programs
most important to water development efforts are:
• Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF)
Under the DWRF program the CWR &PDA issues bonds to fund leveraged loans and provides the State's
required 20 percent match on each federal dollar. The subsidized loans are provided to assist public
water suppliers in financing the cost of infrastructure needed to achieve or maintain compliance with the
Safe Drinking Water Act. The subsidized loans obtained through the DWRF can be used for planning,
engineering design and construction of diversion, pumping, storage, and treatment facilities. If the
amount required is greater than $2 million, this will be provided by a leveraged bond at a subsidized
rate. Applicants must start by getting their projects qualified and on the Intended Use List with the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water Quality Control Division. DOLA will then
generate a credit report and the CWR &PDA initiates its loan approval process.
• Small Water Resources Projects Program (SWRP)
Under the SWRP the CWR &PDA can expedite its procedures to assist local governments in the financing
of water resource projects, which are defined as water management facilities or hydroelectric facilities
with loans up to $500 million without legislative review.
• Water Revenue Bonds Program (WRBP)
The WRBP provides up to $500 million, without legislative review, to entities for water and wastewater
projects not eligible under other CWR &PDA programs. The WRBP subsidizes the costs of bond issuance.
More information about these programs and other CWR &PDA programs is available on their website
www.cwrDda.com
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government (DOLA)
DOLA offers financial assistance through a number of loan and grant programs specifically designed to
address public facility and service needs. Funding is available each year, but a significant amount of up
front work is required. Eligibility is based in part on median household income. Projects need to be NEPA
compliant and have the necessary engineering report, etc. completed. More information about
Community Development Block Grants, and Energy /Mineral Impact Funds can be found on the
Department of Local Affairs website httg;/ /dola.colorado.>7ov/
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FINAL ALP Reper1_1_13_11_LL.DCrx