BOARD02481

• Board Meeting Date: 1/24/2001
• Description: CF Section - South Platte Lower River Group - Non-reimbursable Investment
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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South Platte Lower River Group Agende Item 13b.
Janual)' 24-25, 2001 ,
The Prolect
The most important part of this pilot project will be to establish the framework (legal and .
institutional) for groundwater recharge projects on private land owned in part or with a perpetual
easement by the State of Colorado. SPLRG has completed a number of recharge projects
successfully so that the technical feasibility of this type project has been established. This
project will define contractual rights and responsibilities based on the resources contributed for
construction, operation, and maintenance of each project. These projects are of statewide
significance because they will assist the State of Colorado in (1) water administration and
management by maintaining and enhancing well augmentation and (2) developing Colorado's
water contribution known as the Tamarack Plan for a Platte Basin ESA program for habitat
enhancement.
SPLRG has investigated the proposed projects shown on the attached map through on-site
visits and discussions with the landowners. Initial soli coring and surveying has been completed
on some of the sites. Recharge sites A and B would be supplied by gravity flow from the
Peterson Ditch of the Julesburg Irrigation District. Sites C, D, and E would have recharge sites
supplied by buried pipelines from groundwater wells next to the river. Based upon its past
experience in the area, SPLRG feels that the proposed project sites are feasible.
SPLRG will complete a feasibility study and a final design, and will bring the proposed project(s)
and proposed agreement(s) with the private partner(s) back to the CWCB for approval prior to
initiating the project. The feaSibility report and final design will be accomplished through the in-
kind services of SPLRG. The level of funding requested for this grant should provide the annual
operating expenses (i.e.. electricity for well pumping, easement leases, and/or ditch running fees)
for at least the first five years of the perpetual agreement. Payment of annual operating expenses .
over the long term will be an item for discussion and resolution between the State and private
partners.
Cost Estimate
Item Estimated Cost
Plannlnc and Feaslbllltv Study costs $ 7000
Enalneerinn costs $ 13000
Construotlon costs I $100000
Operation costs , $ 50 000
Estimated Total Coets I 5170.000
Discussion
This pilot project Is a continuation of the work of SPLRG to maintain and enhance well
augmentation and to enhance habitat for species of concern and for threatened and
endangered species in the South Platte basin. This project Is needed by the State to fulfill its
commitment In a basin-wide species program and is ,Important in protecting the Interests of both
the State and Its citizens. For these reasons, this prdject is classified as addreSSing issues of
"statewide Impact or Importance," This request has been revlewed by the CWCB Finance
Committee, which recommended approval by the Board.
Staff Recommendation
This funding request should be approved from the Construction Fund, in the category "Projects
or StudIes of statewide Impact or concsrn," The recommended funding amount Is $150,000.
cc: Sieve Treadway, LSPWCO .
Alan Berryman, NCWCD
Linda Bassi, AGO
Attachment C:IWP51IP,oj-NewlSPLRG NR Investment 101momo L'lbOardmemljan01113b SPLRG
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