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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The hydroelectric component ,of the project involves installa- tion of a 110 kW turbine and generator on an existing bypass pipe in the gate chamber of the dam. The turbine had to meet very tight restrictions in the gate chamber and the elevator shaft. The turbine performance characteristics were also critical since they must maintain the historic winter releases below the dam of 9 cfs to 13 cfs. Fortunately one unit, a Worthington pump used as a turbine, met these criteria. The power plant would generate an average of 750,000 kWh per year. The power would be marketed to Colorado Ute Electric Association at the current rate of $.035 per kWh. The facility would be interconnected to the existing power grid at a line on the crest of the dam. The District would use about 18,000 kWh per year power for their own use. The average annual revenues from the sale of this would be $25,600. In addition the District would save an additional $1,300 in electrical costs by eliminating the purchase of the 18,000 kWh from La Plata Electric Association. A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License appli- cation was submitted in early December of 1985. It is expected that this application will take approximately one year to process. In light of this processing time, the earliest construction date for the project is the fall of 1987. The potential environmental impacts of the project were discussed with appropriate agencies throughout the study process. The project plan was flexible enough so that the potential impacts were eliminated or are minimal. The estimated project cost, based on October 1985 prices, is $323,600. The gate repairs are estimated at $150,600 and the power plant at $173,000. In 1987 the District will have about $85,000 in cash avail- able from a $12,500 annual contribution to a sinking fund for the 2