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<br />Mitigation has traditionally has occurred when projects are being built, but mitigation projects can also <br />help water users address the impacts of existing projects, We have learned, especially in the realin of by- <br />pass flow requirements and native species protection, a Board held instream flow or a Board supported _ <br />river restoration project could provide regulatory stability for water users, ., <br /> <br />However, the General Assembly did not tie the need to J;llitigate project impacts with the Board's <br />exclusive authority and responsibility to hold instream f,lows or our river restoration projects. <br /> <br />We recDmmend that the General Assembly now be asked to recognize the link between water use and <br />our own programs by making funds available to us for instream flow and river restoration purposes. <br /> <br />Therefore, we recommend: <br /> <br />1. That funds should be continuously approprill-ted from the Construction Fund to keep the <br />annual balance ofthe Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund at five million dollars ($5,000,000). <br /> <br />2. That the General Assembly recognize the ro(e instream flows and river restoration projects <br />play in mitigating the affects of the construction, operation, and maintenance of water diversion, <br />delivery, and storage facilities by authorizing the Board staff to apply for grants from the fund for <br />such purposes; and that the Board have the author\ty to authorize such grants. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />.e <br /> <br />Flood Protection. Project Planning & Finance. Stream & Lake Protection. <br />Water Supply Protecti6n . Conservation Planning <br />