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<br />n <br />~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. Provides a secure source of base funding for the recovery programs so that the necessary <br />facilities can be operated and maintained while the fish continue their recovery, even after <br />the specific agreements requiring non-federal participation lapse. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Establishes a cost-ceiling and a schedule for funding and implementing the capital projects <br />needed to recover the federally-protected species. <br /> <br />The Upper Colorado River Program has served as the "reasonable and prudent alternative" to avoid <br />unacceptable "jeopardy" Endangered Species Act Section 7 decisions for more than 200 water <br />supply construction projects. These projects located in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, allow an <br />aggregate capability to deplete more than 225,000 acre-feet of water per year from the Colorado <br />River basin. <br /> <br />'--- <br /> <br />Likewise, the San Juan River Program has served as the "reasonable and prudent alternative" for <br />Phase I of the Animas-La Plata Project (57, I 00 acre feet of future depletion) in Colorado and New <br />Mexico; and the Navajo Indian Irrigation project (133,000 acre feet of pre-program depletion) in <br />New Mexico. It will also provide alternatives for future development as "sufficient" progress is <br />made in the recovery of the endangered fish. <br /> <br />I think it is also worth noting that none of the bills that have been introduced in recent years to <br />amend the Endangered Species Act would change the need for these recovery programs. Indeed, <br />most of the amendments put even greater emphasis on local efforts to protect threatened and <br />endangered species. These recovery programs have effectively given a greater voice to state <br />agencies, as well as development and environmental interests, and have shifted the focus of our <br />efforts from the regulatory scene to the development of solutions for important resource conflicts. <br />While the legislation directly benefits the upper Colorado Basin recovery programs, the lower states <br />recognize the important precedent it establishes. I hope that you will support this legislation, and <br />lend your voice to those of federal, state, local and environmental leaders who believe that the <br />recovery program offers the best opportunity to address water needs and environmental obligations <br />in the arid West <br /> <br />. Very truly yours, <br /> <br /> <br />John W. Mumma, Director, Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />Chairman, Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council <br />