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I" ~ S:;:CCI, - PD SUBJECT: Bear (~reek Basill, South Platte River and Tributaries, Colorado, Wyomicg, and Nebraska following authorization c< the project, detailed site investigations and design be milde for til~ pucpose of accurately defining the lands required; and that, suhsc\;u~ntly, advance acquisition be made of such title to such lands as may he required to preserve the site against incompatible developments. 4. The District Engineer points out that the Colorado Department of Highways had suspended improvement of the four-lane Colorado High- \;ay No. 70 in the sector uaversing the project area to avoid the added cost of subsequent rel~)cciLion, but that, since other sectors of the high\;ay improvenent are completed and traffic densities require early completion of the affected sector, early consideration of project authorization and relocation authority would re.sult in a savings in public funds. The reporting officers recommend that the Chief of Engineers be authorized t(, negotiate cost-sharing agreements with the Colorado Department of High\;,lYs and the United States Bureau of Public Roads for prompt relocation of the route of the highway improvements. 5. The Board of Engil'eers for Rivers arid Harbors concurs in general in the Jroposed plan of improvement; however, it believes that non-Federal intl~rests should acquire the water needed to establish the recreation and fisl. and wildlife enhancement purposes, in addition to the usual cost :3haring under the provisions of the Federal Water Proj- ect Recreation Act. On this basis the Board estimated the net cost to the United States at $29,223,000 for construction and $40,000 annually for operation, main::enance, and replacements. Subsequent to completion of the District and Division Engineers' reports, the Colorado Highway Department has decided that it may need to proceed with construction of the uncompleted segment of Colorado Highway No. 70 along the alternate route outside the reservoir area because of the urgent need for this high\;ay improvement. The Board recommends that the Chief of Engineers be authorized to reimburse the Highway Department for the added costs of reloca~ing the highway even though construction of the highway may be initia~ed pr:~or to authorization of the dam and reservoir project. The Board also believes that responsible local interests should be required to hold and save the United States free from damages due to water-rights claims resulting from construction and operation of the project; adequately inform all affected interests, at least annually, that the project will not provide complete flood protection; and, provide guidancE' and leadership in preventing unwise and uneconomical future development of the flood plain areas by encouraging prudent management techr:iques to reduce future flood losses. The Board recom- mends authorizat ion for cO<lfitruction and operation of the dam and res- ervoir, essentially as planned by the District Engineer as subsequently modified, subject to certain conditions of local cooperation, including those added by the Board and staced in the foregoing. 2 --