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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Agenda Item 13 <br />January 22-23, 2003 Board Meeting <br />Page 3 of5 <br /> <br />December 2000, which created a framework for a formal process to address Colorado River Delta <br />rnatters. Subsequently, a Symposium on the Colorado River Delta was held on Septernber 11-12, <br />2001, the proceedings of which were released on September 17, 2002. A States Technical <br />Workgroup has been formed and to date has suinmarized the surface Water and groundwater <br />resources available to Mexico in an effort to develop a water budget that will help identify <br />opportunities to irnprove conditions for the Colorado River Delta. The Technical Workgroup has <br />also created.a "Broad Brush Concept Document" that identifies possible water supplies available to <br />meet the needs of the Colorado River Delta. The next step will be categorizing the alternatives into <br />groups and identifying the pros and cons. This information will then be discussed by the seven basin <br />states and recommendations as appropriate rnade to' the International Boundary and Water <br />Commission (IBWC). Staff has been participating on the Technical Workgroup and we anticipate <br />another meeting in February. Finally, IBWC has issued a "Terms of Reference" document, which <br />describes the issues that IBWC will discuss under Minute 306. <br /> <br />Yuma Desalt Plant: The Lower Colorado Region of Reclamation is working on a report to <br />Congress that looks at alternatives to operating the YDP and also seeks funding to upgrade and <br />operate the YDP. Staff has been involved in these ongoing discussions. One of the alternatives <br />under discussion is for Reclamation to enter into voluntary forbearance agreements with agricultural <br />users, including agricultural users in the Upper Basin. This is of significant concern and certainly <br />has many issues associated with it. We will discuss this further with the Board at the rneeting. <br /> <br />Colorado River Reservoirs - 2003 Annual Operating Plan: The final 2003 AOP was signed be <br />the Secretary of Interior on December 16, 2002 following consultation with the basin states and <br />water users. Repayment provisions for inadvertent overruns were added to the 2003 AOP by <br />Interior. The AOP clearly states that if California fails to implement the QSA by December 31, <br />2002 that the interim surplus provisions will be suspended until the QSA is completed. The <br />Secretary of Interior has subsequently issued water orders to all parties indicating the reductions that <br />would occur if the QSA is not completed. MWD, IID, and Nevada would have the consumptive use <br />allowed under their water orders reduced by 415,100,204,900 and 37,171 AF respectively. A copy <br />of the AOP is available on Reclamation's Upper Colorado Region Website at <br />httr;J:llwww.uc.usbr..eovlmg/aop. Copies of the water orilei: lettcis fuMWD; IID a.Dd Nevada are <br />attached along with a summary of all the water orders. <br /> <br />Colorado River Reservoirs - 2002 Annual Operating Plan: On Novernber 22, 2002 the Secretary <br />of Interior issued a supplement to the 2002 AOP authorizing Reclamation to release water to three <br />California agricultural contractors in excess of previously approved water orders subj ect to specific <br />repayment provisions and other conditions. A copy of that letter is attached <br /> <br />Colorado River Reservoir - Coordinated Long-Range Operating Criteria Review: Reclamation <br />began the 6th 5-yeat review of the Coordiriated Long-Range Operating Criteria in March 2002. 12 of <br />the 16 letters received indicated no changes were required. Most of the changes requested in the <br />other letters related to additions that some felt were necessary to reflect legislation passed or rules <br />promulgated since the Criteria were adopted in 1970. Public consultation rneetings were held in <br />September and Reclamation continues to discuss internally whether to propose changes to the <br />Criteria. Once a decision is reached, a Federal Register Notice will be issued containing <br />Reclamation's response and including any proposed changes. A final comment period following the <br />Federal Register Notice is currently envisioned. The review is ndw expected to be completed in late <br /> <br />Flood Protection. Water Project PlariniIlg and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning <br />