PUB00073

• Year: 1997
• Title: Construction Fund Annual Report 1997
• CWCB Section: Finance
• Author: CWCB
• Description: Construction Fund Annual Report 1997
• Publications - Doc Type: CF Annual Report

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4.5 South Platte River Multi-Objective Management Plan Continuation

In 1996, the Board was authorized to expend up to $50,000 under contract with the Corps of
Engineers to investigate problems related to flooding on the South Platte River in 1995 and to
develop a multi-objective management plan to mitigate future flood losses and improve irrigation
supply. The Board recommends that an additional $56,000 from the Construction Fund be
appropriated for mapping, surveys, and collection of field data.

4.6 Lower Elk River Floodplain Management Plan

The CWCB recommends an appropriation of up to $30,000 to the Board to assist Routt County
and the Lower Elk River Flood Association implement demonstration projects ($10,000) and to
develop a multi-objective floodplain management master plan ($20,000) for the lower reach of the
Elk River and the Yampa River. Matching funds will be obtained from the county and the
association.

4.7 Geo-Hydrologic Investigation of the Denver Basin Aquifers

The Board recommends that the state participate with the Denver Museum of Natura 1 History
and U.S. Geological Survey to obtain a 2,000 foot core from the center of the Denver Basin aquifers
near Kiowa in Elbert County and conduct a geo-hydrologic analysis. The core hole is part of a
$467,000 three year National Science Foundation research proposal that will focus on the evolution
of the Denver Basin and its landscapes. Drilling and coring of the 2-inch diameter hole is estimated
to cost $ 1 70,000 and is planned to begin in 1999. The geo-hydrologic analysis will measure the
specific yield, hydraulic conductivity, and porosity of 50 samples taken from the core. The results
wilI develop a more quantitative understanding ofthe geometry and yield of the aquifers.

4.8 Loans to the Colorado River and San Juan River Recovery Programs

Proposed federal legislation wilIlimit both state and federal financial commitments to the two
endangered fish recovery programs for Colorado River fishes. This legislation is being prepared for
introduction with broad support from the Colorado congressional delegation as well as the Utah,
Wyoming and New Mexico delegations. This proposed legislation anticipated a $17 milIion
contribution from the four states (collectively) and a matching contribution of$17 milIion from users
of hydroelectric power produced at Colorado River Storage Project facilities. The electric power
users have generally agreed to this proposal with the condition that their contribution can be
structured in a way which does not require them to raise their electric rates. Therefore, the CWCB
proposes to finance their $17 milIion contribution from a new account over a period of 30 or 40
years at an interest rate favorable to the CWCB Construction Fund. The Board recommends a
transfer of $2 million into this new account this year, with the understanding that is all the cash
available at this time and that additional cash should be transfeITc" !!"c this account as its available
during the next several years. The CWCB recommends legislative approval of this arrangement as
a clear indication of the state's willingness to support the proposed federal legislative allocation and
limitation of recovery program costs.

CWCR FY97 Annual Report, page 27