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Feasibility Study for the Plaza Project — Phase 2: McDonald Ditch Implementation Project <br />Section 4 - Water Rights Protection <br />Phase 2 is a structural and riparian improvement project that will improve the ability of the Rio <br />Grande to meet both consumptive and non - consumptive needs of the area by replacing a poorly <br />functioning diversion and headgate, stabilizing streambanks, reclaiming a damaged wetland, <br />and increasing the ability of the river to transport water. As such, Phase 2 allows for agriculture <br />demands to be met by increasing the ability of irrigators to divert their appropriated water right <br />when they are in priority. Additionally, Phase 2 sustains multiple non - consumptive uses by <br />improving riparian conditions, repairing river channel problems, and reducing sediment load. <br />Finally, Phase 2 supports the preservation of the long -term cultural values inherent in this rural <br />area's historical and current agricultural lifestyle. It complies with all applicable laws, regulations, <br />and water rights. <br />Phase 2 will in no way alter the current water rights held by Project participants or surrounding <br />water users. This Project does not supersede, abrogate, or otherwise impair the State's current <br />system of allocating water within Colorado. This project does not affect the State constitution's <br />recognition of water rights as a private usufructuary property right nor is it intended to restrict <br />the ability of the holder of a water right to use or to dispose of that water right in any manner <br />permitted under Colorado law. Phase 2 protects water users and landowners along the Rio <br />Grande from loss by replacing an aging diversion and headgate, repairing the river channel, and <br />restoring the riparian corridor and a wetland, thereby helping to ensure that the provisions of <br />Section 37 -75 -102 C.R.S. are supported and observed. <br />IM <br />