BOARD02264

• Board Meeting Date: 1/27/1999
• Description: Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project Application
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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STAlE OF COLORAIX)

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WATER DIVISION 3
OFFICE OFTHE STATE ENGINEER
422 Fourth Street
PO Box 269
Alamosa CO 81101
Phone [phone]
FAX [phone]

Bill Owens
Governor

San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District
Carol Redding, Manager
P.O. Box 729
Monte Vista, CO

January 20, 1999

Greg Walcher
Executive Director

Hal Simpson
State Engineer

Steven E. Vandiver
Division Engineer

Dear Carol;

This letter is to support the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District's application to
the Colorado Water Conservation Board for funding of the Rio Grande River Restoration
study.

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As you know the lack of a lead agency has resulted in little maintenance on the river.
Now that the Rio Grande has areas that are degraded it is difficult to pass water for
delivery to calling water rights and the compact. Trash, debris and gravel bars have
blocked flow in areas causing the river to spread and meander far outside the normal
channel during high flow events. Encroachment and building into the river has also
exacerbated the situation.

The feasibility study will assist in determining the major restoration and rehabilitation
components and their cost. Then efforts can begin to restore the Rio Grande to its natural,
functional, condition.

There is great interest in this project from residents, river users, interest groups, and
various agencies, however, without one lead agency the restoration efforts will, likely as
not, fail. It is good to see the District take the lead in sponsoring and managing the
Restoration project.

Once again, Division 3 supports the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District in the
Rio Grande River Restoration effort and recommends the CWCB provide funding for the
feasibility study.

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Cc:

Hal Simpson