Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. <br /> <br />CHAPTER I <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />The Upper Colorado Resource Study (UCRS) was initiated by the <br />Bureau of Reclamation in January 1976. The authority for the study is a <br />composite of the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) Act of April 11, <br />1956 (Public Law 84-485), the CRSP Power Peaking Studies Act of Septem- <br />ber 7, 1966 (Public Law 89-561), and the Colorado River Basin Act of <br />September 30, 1968 (Public Law 90-537). The impetus for the study came <br />from expected increases of water needs for energy-related developments <br />in the White and Yampa River Basins in northwestern Colorado and north- <br />eastern Utah. Several authorized project investigations, including <br />Yellow Jacket, Upper Yampa, and Lower Yampa were incorporated into this <br />comprehensive study. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Uncertainties over the future of the energy industries in the area <br />have made it difficult to accurately predict the water needs of the <br />area, and it does not seem worthwhile to continue the study at this <br />time. In view of these circumstances, it is recommended that further <br />investigations be delayed until definite needs become more apparent. A <br />great deal of data has been gathered or located, and at some future time <br />when the needs are identified, it may be desirable to reopen the study <br />and carry it to completion. This report has therefore been prepared to <br />summarize and consolidate these data for later use. <br /> <br />Much of the collected data, especially outside of the Yellow Jacket <br />Unit area, are only of appraisal level and in some areas incomplete. <br />Before a feasibility level report could be completed, detailed studies <br />would have to be made of surface and ground water supplies, lands, fish <br />and wildlife, environmental requirements, cultural resources, and the <br />specific water needs in both river basins. Several years could be <br />involved in accomplishing these tasks. It is anticipated that near term <br />studies outside of the Yellow Jacket Unit would be conducted on a State, <br />local, or private level and would not require Federal involvement. <br /> <br />The Yellow Jacket Unit would probably require Federal involvement <br />in future studies. A feasibility report for the unit could not be <br />completed until feasibility level designs of the project features and <br />the financial analyses were completed. This could require from 1 to <br />3 years after a strong enough interest in such a water resource develop- <br />ment is demonstrated to cause resumption of the investigations. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />1 <br />