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. . . and future consumptive uses. This description is expected to be available for review in draft within the next week of so. The water users also raised questions concerning the transfer of existing water rights to a new project or the use of existing water supplies under an exchange agreement. The FWS appears to be agreeable that any such change in use will not change the protection afforded the associated depletion impacts as "existing" depletions. Grand Vallev Water Manal!ement Proiect There continue to be concerns that approximately 9,000 AF "saved" through the Grand Valley Water Management Improvement Project may not be protectable under any of the proposed RIPRAP measures. It is unclear how the FWS will handle this concern, but it asked for additional information from the Bureau of Reclamation. The FWS also appears to be expecting that the Recovery Program will take responsibility for the installation, operation and maintenance cost associated with any screening devices needed to prevent endangered fish from entering the canal in unacceptable numbers. The water users support this view and sought clarification that no individual diversion structure would be held responsible for such problems. The FWS appears to be comfortable with this arrangement, understanding that the entire PBO may be reopened in the event that such "diversion" of fish with our water supplies exceeds the 1 % limitation on adults. Shortly before the May 13 meeting, the Colorado River Water Conservation District wrote to Greg Walcher and Ralph Morganwick indicating several concerns discussed by members of its Board of Directors with respect to this PBO. While I share many of their concerns, I am also sympathetic to the concern raised by other water users that the investment required by many others in developing this PBO not be jeopardized. I plan to work closely with Greg, the Water District, and the FWS to do everything we can to resolve their concerns and keep you posted as these developments progress. At the close of our May 13 meeting, the FWS agreed to wait a few more days for comments from the Bureau of Reclamation and possibly the Western Area Power Administration. A meeting was scheduled for July 19, (1 p.m. at the FWS offices in Lakewood) to discuss the next draft and any additional information the FWS may need from other recovery program participants. FWS plans to be able to provide a revised draft PBO for review by mid-August. L:/wctrans/ddl09(o) lSMRSec7 status OS99 L:/boardmemIMay99/09(o) lSMRSec7 status OS99