BOARD00180

• Board Meeting Date: 3/10/1998
• Description: 1998 Legislative Issues - HB 98-1189 - 1998 CWCB Construction Fund Bill
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

.

SECTION 8 will increase the amount in last year=s appropriation for a Chatfield
Reservoir Reallocation Study.

Last year, the Board was authorized to expend up to $300,000 from the Construction Fund
to participate with the Army Corps of Engineers and other water user entities in a reconnaissance
study to be conducted in 1997 for the potential reallocation of flood control storage space to
municipal water supply storage in Chatfield Reservoir. Since then, the Corps has streamlined its
requirements, and the reconnaissance study is no longer necessary. The feasibility investigation will
require about $500,000 from the state. This section of the bill changes the amount from $300,000
to $500,000 and eliminates language that referred to a reconnaissance study and other contingencies
which are no longer appropriate.

The investigation will examine the feasibility of reallocating storage in the flood control pool
of Chatfield reservoir to the conservation pool for water supply purposes, either permanently or on
a seasonal basis. Existing and alternative operations of the Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Bear Creek
reservoirs will be analyzed. Potential changes to downstream flows and to reservoir pool elevations
as well as the potential consequences to water supplies, flood damages, recreation opportunities,
water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and other resources will be evaluated. Expenditure of the
funds will still be contingent upon the board negotiating a formal cost share agreement for the
feasibility study.

. SECTION 9 is to continue the South Platte River Multi-Objective
Management Plan.

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.

SECTION 10 is an appropriation for a floodplain management plan for the
lower Elk River.

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.

.

6