FLOOD01459

• County: Gunnison
• Community: Uncompahgre Valley
• Title: Upper Gunnison-Uncompahgre Basin Phase 1 Feasibility Study Summary Report
• Date: 5/1/1989
• Prepared For: Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority
• Prepared By: HDR Engineering, Inc.
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Project

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In addition, the Study has been performed with the aid of the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation (USBR) through their Technical Assistance to States Program.
Their participation consisted of providing in-kind services and producing
certain Study products as an adjunct to the Study Team. The USBR's
participation included input to most of the study tasks, but concentrated on
the areas of: collection and analysis of hydrologic data; preparation of
agricultural water demand forecasts; identification and evaluation of
structural components; and preparing environmental evaluations of components
and plans. It has been the Authority's responsibility to promote coordination
between HDR and the USBR as well as to make final decisions regarding the
Study di rect ion after cons i deri ng input from Study sponsors, committees, and
the general public.

1.2 STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Study was to identify and evaluate water resource
management pl ans to enhance the water-based economy of the Study Area in an
environmentally sound manner, Both structural and non-structural components
have been examined. The purpose of the structural measures (such as dams,
pipelines, and tunnels) is to develop additional water supplies consistent
with the in-basin needs and the State's compact entitlements. The purpose of
non-structural measures (such as enhanced water management through water
exchange, reuse, and conservation) is to obtai n greater envi ronmenta 1 and
economic benefits from the existing resource base.

Given the apparent inability of recreational and agricultural water users
to pay for additional water development, other sources of revenue, including
hydropower generation and potential out-of-basin water sales, were evaluated.
This was done to identify very general options which, when combined with the
preferred in-basin development plan, would result in a more comprehensive
project with enhanced financial attractiveness. These options may require
participation from electrical power entities or east slope water suppl iers.
This study has not speculated on the specific institutional relationships that
might be involved, If these entities pursue a cooperative approach to project