C150307 Final Supplimental Impact Statement

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CHAPTER 2 DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVES ❑ Evaluation of alternatives and selection of two refined alternatives for more detailed study ❑ Components of the alternatives considered but eliminated from further consideration in this FSEIS ❑ Description of alternatives selected for further refinement 1 ❑ Discussion of risks associated with a large scale water rights purchase program 2.1.1 Future Water Uses The current purpose of and need for the proposed ALP Project is to complete implementation of the Colorado Ute Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 1988 (Settlement Act)by providing the Colorado Ute Tribes an assured long-term water supply as specified in the Settlement Act(see Attachment A in Volume 2 of this FSEIS). Providing the Colorado Ute Tribes with an assured long-term water supply is necessary to protect existing water users from senior water rights claims by the Colorado Ute Tribes. The Colorado Ute Tribes could use this assured water supply to satisfy any future M&I water demands on their reservations and to provide water for future regional M&I needs. In addition to providing an assured water supply as a settlement of the Colorado Ute Tribes' senior water rights,the ALP Project provides a dependable long-term water supply for neighboring Indian and non- Indian community water needs,including a portion of the Navajo Nation at and near Shiprock,New Mexico,the Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District(ALPWCD),and the San Juan Water Commission(SJWC). About one-fourth of the ALP Project water would be allocated to the Navajo Nation,the ALPWCD, and the SJWC to serve their identified regional growth and planned M&I needs. See Table 2-1 for a listing of ALPWCD, SJWC,and Navajo Nation future uses. Table 2-1 Summary of Future Uses of M&I Water by the Navajo Nation,ALPWCD,and SJWC Diversion from the San Juan River Basin Depletion from the Category of M&I Use (acre-feet/year(afy)) San Juan River Basin(afy) Navajo Nation 4,680 2,340 Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District 5,200 2,600 San Juan Water Commission 20,800 10,400 Total 30,680 15,340 The ultimate use of the remaining project water(about three-fourths of the total water supply)by the Colorado Ute Tribes would be more specifically defined by those Tribes as future needs develop. Therefore,a range of potential future water uses was developed for analysis in this FSEIS. The specific percentage allocation between the Colorado Ute Tribes and other project beneficiaries may not be fixed, however,as noted in Chapter 1,Introduction,Purpose of,and Need for the Project. Comments received during scoping and support for legislation recently introduced by non-federal entities(i.e.,H.R. 3112 and S•2508,the Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 1999/2000),indicate that the Colorado Ute 2.1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 2-2