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<br />t. <br /> <br />said, they weren't prepared to let customers turn their spigots on full-force this summer, even if it t <br />would mean more cash. It was suggested that the agency adopt a three-day-per-week summer <br />watering plan, but whether it will be mandatory - with fines for violations - or voluntary isn't <br />clear yet. The board is expected to make a decision May 11. <br /> <br />States, U.S. Near Platte Accord: A three-state Platte River agreement may be in its [mal <br />stages. <br /> <br />It's been nearly eight years since Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and the U.S. Interior <br />Department signed the agreement to address habitat and water issues in the Platte River basin. <br />The three states store and use water from the Platte system, and there is concern about critical <br />habitat for an endangered species of fish - the pallid sturgeon - and three endangered or <br />threatened species of birds - the whooping crane, piping plover and interior least tem. <br /> <br />Now, a committee is putting the finishing touches on a species recovery program. If all parties <br />approve, a final program could go into effect in October 2006. <br /> <br />The cost is expected to exceed $200 million, with most of the money going to buy land, develop <br />habitat and manage water. The federal government will pay half of the cost. The rest will be <br />divided among the three states and water users. <br /> <br />Doing nothing could cost the states millions of dollars because dozens of water projects with <br />federal ties, including dams, reservoirs and hydroelectric plants, would be separately scrutinized . <br />under the Endangered Species Act. A cooperative recovery plan, on the other hand, will help <br />water activities across the basin comply with the Endangered Species Act. <br /> <br />Concerns remain for farmers, who don't want to lose the surface and groundwater they use to <br />iirigate their crops, and for environmentalists_, who w'lnt tQ be.certain that enoughwater is <br />actually sent down the river to provide the habitat that- is needed. <br /> <br />The long-term goal is to obtain 29,000 acres along the Platte between Lexington and Chapman, <br />the area used most frequently by the three bird species and considered one of the most important <br />migratory bird areas in the world. <br /> <br />Environmentalists say that decades of building dams, diverting water for irrigation, drilling wells <br />and other developments have reduced river flow and harmed wildlife <br /> <br />Lone Tree enters NFIP: On April 8, 2005, the City of Lone Tree became the newest Colorado <br />community to enter the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Participation in the NFIP <br />enables all residents within the City to purchase federally backed flood insurance, and allows the <br />City to be eligible for additional mitigation grant funding and other federal programs. It should <br />be noted that the Douglas County Map Modernization Project (which includes all incorporated <br />areas of the county) is nearing completion with an expected effective date of September 30, <br />2005. At this time, the City of Lone Tree will have updated flood hazards identified on their <br />regulatory Flood Insurance Rate Map. The City of Lone Tree becomes the 233rd Colorado <br />community to participate in the NFIP. Prior to entry it was the third largest non-participating <br />community in the state. The City of Lone Tree is the second new community to enroll in the <br /> <br />28 <br />