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. - 2- The study examined the feasibility of the construction of a reservoir on Long Hollow. A reservoir at this site was determined by the La Plata County Water Management Plan to be the best way . to improve administration of the La Plala River, in accordance with the requirements of the La Plata . River Compact. Also, the proposed enlargement of the Red Mesa Ward Reservoir will provide added storage in the upper basin. The area that will benefit from these projects includes the whole La Plata River basin in Colorado (population approximately 4,000), and some areas of New Mexico. Benefits would also accrue to the State of Colorado as a whole due to improved administration of the interstate compact that divides the waters of the La Plata River between Colorado and New Mexico. Improved . administration will allow more of Colorado's water to be used within the state. Phase I of the study evaluated certain threshold issues unrelated to design and was presented to the Board in July 2004. Phase IT provided feasibility level geo-technical and design infoITnation. Wright Water Engineers, Inc. delivered the final study report to the CWCB on April 28, 2005. Discussion The Phase II report appears to contain all the necessary information to make a professional assessment for constructing Long Hollow reservoir. The report contains discussions on hydrology, geo-technical investigations, enviromnentallendangered species and permitting requirements, cultural resources, and various design parameters. The estimated project cost seems to be reasonable given recent actual construction costs for reservoirs of comparable size along the front range of Colorado. Certain costs that are difficult to estimate from ,this level of analysis are enviromnentaA impacts, property acquisition, utility relocations, and final design and construction inspection. .. ~ i;/ 1 ~ ."-j ~ ;4 i~ ~.~ "J i.~'^.' ~ .' ;i~ ;1 .j The project information regarding water allocation, reservoir operations and maintenance, financial feasibility and institutional considerations was briefly addressed in Phase I of the study. This information needs to be looked at in much greater detail as this project continues in the planning phase and progresses to fmal design and construction. Specific concerns regarding compact demands, reservoir ownership, and sources of financial support are critical issues that will need final solutions for this project to move forward. Recommendation Staff recommends the Board accept the Long Hollow Reservoir Feasibility Study as submitted by Wright Water Engineers, Inc. and find that the study generally addresses the work tasks established in the project scope of work as outlined by the La Plata Water Conservancy District. ~'. " . (', ... -' ;: ~ e ;1 ~~ i,j Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning .