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<br />The recently created Colorado Watershed Protection Fund Tax Check-off Program has identified <br />numerous watersheds where local watershed groups are working to address a variety of watershed <br />issues. The Watershed Protection Fund did not have sufficient funds to award grants to all applicants. . <br />The CWCB proposes to start with the list of unfounded applicants, with other watershed groups that <br />have contacted the CWCB about potential funding for watershed restoration planning activities, and <br />with potential SWSI projects. The most qualified 4 or 5 projects will be selected and provided with the <br />requested funds. <br /> <br />Water Planning Relationship: This program is statewide in nature and is intended to assist in <br />meeting stream restoration needs throughout Colorado. The specific candidate watersheds for this <br />project will be derived from local applications and expressions of interest and from the list of potential <br />SWSI projects. The purpose of each individual effort will explicitly address local watershed planning <br />needs. CWCB will provide technical and administrative support to further local efforts (including SWSI <br />efforts) that are already underway. To the fullest extent possible, these local efforts will emphasize <br />watershed restoration needs. <br /> <br />Recommendation: Staff gives a high recommendation for funding of this project since it is another <br />high priority within the CWCB Flood Protection Section. Much success has already been achieved in <br />the past few years on river restoration projects (Roaring Fork River, Rio Grande, and others) with <br />similar projects. <br /> <br />3. Detailed Flood Hydrology Assessments <br /> <br />Beneficiary/Grantee/Contractor: <br />Amount of Request: <br /> <br />CWCB, Various <br />$50,000 <br /> <br />Ranking: <br /> <br />High <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Product Produced: The CWCB has identified a substantial need for new detailed hydrology studies to <br />be developed for various stream reaches throughout Colorado. Existing hydrology information in some <br />cases has been determined to be insufficient, outdated, or inaccurate and is in need of revision. The <br />Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun implementing a Map Modernization <br />Program nationwide to update flood maps and convert those maps into digital (GIS) and has infused <br />millions of dollars to implement the update and conversion process. However, the FEMA emphasis has <br />largely been focused on the digital conversion of maps and not on the update of the hydrology <br />information that is really the foundation for the maps. The CWCB staff is requesting this Severance <br />Tax non-reimbursable investment to provide a means of cost sharing with local entities and other <br />agencies to accomplish the much needed hydrology updates that will work in harmony with the FEMA <br />Map Modernization effort. <br /> <br />Water Planning Relationship: Floodplain components are an integral part of water planning. The <br />specific candidate stream reaches for this project will be derived from local applications and requests. <br />The purpose of each individual effort will explicitly address local floodplain needs. CWCB will also <br />provide technical and administrative support to further local efforts that are already underway. Those <br />local entities that are able to provide substantial cost-share funding will be viewed in a favorable light. <br /> <br />Recommendation: Staff gives a high recommendation for funding of this project because of its <br />importance to water management. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />16 <br />