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002882 ~'4\lfO..1..00";'if United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF RECLAMATION Upper Colorado Region Western Colorado Area Office RECEIVED .JUL 14 2003 {'tiorado Wat~r ConS8nmtion Bnard 2764 Compass Drive. Suite 106 Grand Junction CO 81506-8785 835 E 2nJ Avenue, Suite 300 Durango CO 81301-5475 11 I) JUL 2003 WCG-SMcCall ENV 6.00 To: Interested Agencies, Individuals and Organizations Subject: Notification: Public Meetings and Request for Input Concerning the Potential Transfer of Title of the Collbran Project from Reclamation to the Ute and Collbran Water Conservancy Districts Reclamation and the Ute and Collbran Water Conservancy Districts (Districts) are initiating an evaluation and an environmental analysis of a proposal to transfer title and responsibility for the Collbran Project from Reclamation to the Districts. On June 12, 2003, the Districts notified Reclamation that they wished to jointly pursue the transfer. The transfer will be evaluated under the process set forth in the attached "Framework for the Transfer of Title." The Collbran Project was constructed by Reclamation in 1960, and the United States owns the various structures and land rights associated with the project. Facilities of the project involved in the transfer include Vega Dam and Reservoir and the associated feeder and delivery canals, the Molina hydropower plants, and Reclamation's interests in Grand Mesa Reservoirs (including the Cottonwoods, Bonham, and Big Creek). These features are shown on the attached map. Additional information on the proposed transfer is also attached. Reclamation will host public meetings to initiate the process. The purpose of the meetings will be to explain the title transfer process, explain the purposes of transfer, receive input on any concerns with the potential transfer, and receive suggestions on how public uses and values can be protected. The meetings will be held: August 6, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Collbran -Plateau Valley School Media Center August 7, 2003 at 7 p.m. at the Mesa State College Campbell Center, Fletcher Room Reclamation will prepare a NEP A (National Environmental Policy Act) document on the proposed transfer and distribute it for public review. An important step in this process is the scoping of potential impacts, identification of significant issues, identification of alternatives, and identification of potential measures to lessen any adverse effects of the action. The public will have full access to relevant information, including proposals,