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<br />- 2- <br /> <br />diameter. As one can imagine, the trees and other vegetation along the project channel of the South Platte River <br />corridor provide a significant number of benefits. The benefits are far reaching, as this section of the river . <br />includes one of the most highly utilized walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading trails in the state. Obvious <br />benefits of the vegetation include such things as fish and wildlife habitat, shade, aesthetics, and soil stability. As <br />such, the CWCB and District are unable to immediately address the issue of tree removal along the channel due <br />to certain public outcry that would be created from such action. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />The second issue described above has been outstanding for a long time and the CWCB has tried to resolve this <br />issue over the past 10 years. The first step in attempting to resolve this issue consisted of a study of the project <br />reach that was conducted to determine if adequate flood conveyance existed despite the tree growth. This effort <br />resulted from a meeting held in 1996 whereby the Corps agreed to allow trees to remain on the channel banks if <br />the hydraulic modeling analysis showed no significant impact to the 100-year flood profile as a result of the <br />vegetation growth. The study showed in fact that the project reach does have sufficient flood capacity, and that <br />overall channel degradation counteracts the impacts of the vegetation. The study was submitted to the Corps for <br />their review, and comments were retumed to the CWCR The CWCB and UDFCD subsequently responded to <br />those comments, but no acceptance or further actions have been initiated by the Corps. <br /> <br />The second step in attempting to resolve the issue was to utilize the technical information from the first step and <br />proceed with an offer from the Corps to participate in a Section 1135 Study. The 1135 study would be aimed at <br />revision of the O&M Manual for the project thereby allowing certain tree growth and vegetation within the <br />floodplain and possibly in the floodway. Staff gladly agreed to engage in such an activity and pledged funds <br />from ConstnIction Fund dollars (previously authorized by the CWCB and General Assembly) that were <br />specifically earmarked for South Platte O&M work. Unfortunately, the Corps has since notified Staff that the <br />proposed 1135 study is delayed indefinitely due to lack Corps funding and possible lack of Corps interest in the <br />study. Staff has continued to urge the Corps to obtain funding, and we have renewed our pledge to work . <br />harmoniously with the Corps to complete the 1135 study. There is no indication whatsoever that the Corps has <br />interest or that they will make funding available for the 1135 study as originally offered. <br /> <br />Finally, the current project inspection status of "marginally acceptable" will likely be changed by the Corps to a <br />rating of "unacceptable" in the very near future if the main issue is not addressed. Staff feels it appropriate to <br />briefly summarize the consequences of such a rating. An "unacceptable" rating would mean that federal funds <br />would not be made available to the State in the event of a flood disaster that causes damages to the project in <br />any way. The CWCB, as the project's local sponsor, would not be eligible to receive emergency repair funds <br />and assistance from the Corps' PL 84-99 program. In light of this, staff is recommending that the Corps should <br />be strongly urged to work with the CWCB and follow through with its previous offer to complete a Section <br />1135 Study as originally agreed. Stafffee1s that the 1135 Study would be the most viable, logical, and cost <br />effective solution to the issue. <br /> <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATION <br /> <br />Staff recommends that that Board authorize Staff to transmit a letter to the Colonel of the U.S. Army Corps of <br />Engineers, Omaha District, to be signed by the CWCB Director, requesting that the Corps recommit themselves <br />and provide cost-share funding for a Section 1135 study that would revise the existing O&M Manual for the <br />Chatfield Downstream Channel Improvement Project. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning <br />