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-2- LPWCD, in cooperation with the Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District (ALPWCD) and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), developed a Water Management and Conservation Plan for Western La Plata County that was adopted in August 2000. This was done because it has become increasingly difficult for the water resources of the basin to meet the needs of existing agriculture, growing residential development, and the demands of New Mexico under the La Plata River Compact. Specifically, it is very difficult to manage water deliveries to New Mexico because there is no regulating reservoir near the state line. The study wiIl examine the feasibility of the construction of a reservoir on Long HoIlow. A reservoir at this site was determined by the La Plata County Water Management Plan to be the best way to improve administration of the La Plata River, in accordance with the requirements of the La Plata River Compact. Also, the proposed enlargement of the Red Mesa Ward Reservoir will provide added storage in the upper basin. The area that wiIl benefit from these projects includes the whole La Plata River basin in Colorado (population approximately 4,000), and some areas. of New Mexico, Benefits would also accrue to the State of Colorado as a whole due to improved administration of the interstate compact that divides the waters of the La Plata River between Colorado and New Mexico. Improved administration will allow more of Colorado's water to be used within the state. \\ . Phase I of the study evaluated certain threshold issues Ul}felated to design and was presented to the Board in July 2004. Phase II will provide feasibility level geotechnical and design information and . wiIl be the primary focus of the presentations to the Board at this meeting. Discussion The final study draft will be completed and delivered to the CWCB staff on March 15, 2005. Staff will review the draft for compliance with the study scope of work and make final recommendations for study revisions to the consultant based on input from the State Engineer's Office, the Attorney General's Office, CWCB staff and the Board. Pending final approval of the study and a finding that the project is feasible, the project will sent to the Colorado Water and Power Development Authority for further consideration and funding pursuant to previous understandings regarding the project. Recommendation No formal action is required of the Board at this meeting. Staff will make recommendation to the Board in May for study approval as a Consent Agenda item. It is anticipated that the LPWCD will forward the study results to the Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority for future funding considerations. Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning .