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, . . .., . BACKGROUND The original purpose of the project was to "develop an integrated paleobiological and geological framework for the Upper Cretaceous and lower Tertiary rocks in the Denver Basin using a multi-disciplinary approach of paleontology (plant megafossils and palynomorphs), magnetostratigraphy, and lithostratigraphy." Upon further review however, the applicants thought that several other sciences and interests could be served by the available core samples, including a geo-hydrologic analysis of the core. Several oilier water related agencies have been solicited for interest and financial support of this project. To date, local water providers have verbally committed to approximately $42,000 in support of the geo-hydrologic analysis. The U.s. Geological Survey (USGS) has committed to store the core and produce a published report on the hydrologic aspect of the Elbert County Research project. A list of supporting and collaborating organizations is listed in the application. Mr. Bob Raynolds, Ph.D. and Mr. Kirk Johnson, Ph.D., co-project rnanagers for the DMNH will give a brief project presentation and answer questions at the Board rneeting. DISCUSSION . This proposed project comes on the heels of the nearly completed SB96-74 Denver Basin Aquifer and South Platte River Basin Technical Study and the SB96-153 Econornic Life of the Denver Basin Aquifer Study. Both of these CWCB funded studies could have benefited from the information to be derived frorn this study. However, both studies are nearing completion with no current anticipated legislative proposal to fund a continuation of either. Therefore, any new information derived frorn this 1999-2001 effort would have to be incorporated into sorne other ongoing study or analysis at that time. As an example, a South Platte River Decision Support System rnay be in developrnent during the period. It is clear that the geo-hydrologic data obtained frorn this study will benefit the understanding of the Denver Basin aquifers. It is however not part of a construction project which will directly benefit the water users of the state, nor is the scope of the study solely water related. The CWCB participated with the USGS in a sirnilar groundwater specific yield study of a Castle Pines test well between 1988-93 for a total cost share of $133,000. The CWCB is authorized in: · Section 37-60-106(1)(d) CRS "to gather data and information looking toward the greater utilization of the waters of the state and ... for this purpose to make investigations and surveys. " . Section 37-60-115(3) CRS "The CWCB is further authorized and directed '.', to study the state's ground water resource, particularly that water that may prove to be nontributary, both within the Denver basin and throughout the state, including nontributary ground water quality. " .