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, . \~ 2116 7 Since 'l'wo Forks never has been the subject of Congressional authorizations, it is unlikely that an authorization could be secured in the near future. Also, it is unlikely that the Denver Board of Water Commissioners will seek authority, through a referendum, for financing the project through general obligation bonds. Revenue bonds seem the most likely way to fund the project in the near term. Action Agenda Recormnendation: Begin the steps necessary to form a suburban raw water supply entity capable of financing the Two Forks Dam and Reservoir - or an alternative. Also, work cooperatively with Denver to expand the capacity of the Foothills Water Treatment Complex, possibly with the third and fourth phases to be financed by a suburban financing entity. 4. R&oOpen the Eagles Nest Wilderness Water Collection and Diversion Matter The Eagles Nest-Gore Range area contains a substantial supply of water which has been appropriated for use in the Denver metropolitan area. Years after these water rights were acquired for the needs of the people of metropolitan Denver, the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area Act of 1976 was passed, effectively shutting Denver off from the water. The Act, as originally drafted, provided for collection and diversion of the waters by gravity into Dillon Reservoir. But expansion of the boundary lines, and failure of the Act to allow collection and diversion structures, closed the door on Denver. Alternative means exist under which the water still could be brought to Dillon Reservoir, but they would involve impounding the water in a relatively low-elevation reservoir and then pumping the water back uphill, with an enormous annual cost and a serious drain on Colorado's dwindling electrical energy reserve. Action Agenda Recommendation: Immediately seek a Presidential exclusion. Immediately secure united action in the Colorado Congressional delegation to provide the exclusion legislatively, if it is necessary. Note: Funding of the project would encounter the same constraints noted in Item 3. A suburban raw water projects financing entity might be needed for this project, as well. 5. Build One or More Large Colorado River Dams and Reservoirs It is evident that at least one major dam and reservoir on the Colorado River mainstem should be built to fill the agricultural, domestic and industrial needs of Western Colorado. A number of damsites have been proposed over the years, and competing storage rights have been filed.