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1:;0 t- ...'-1 ,:~ (::J C..;I Section 105 of the authorizing legislation provides that construction of the project shall not be started until the State of Colorado agrees that it will, as its participation in the project, convey to the United States easements and rights-of-way over lands owned by the State that are needed for project facilities. Section 106 of the Act further provides that conservation and development of the fish and wildlife resources and the enhancement of recreation opportunities in connection with the Closed Basin Project shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Water Project Act of 1965. This latter Act requires that the construction cost of fish and wildlife and recreation enhancement facilities be cost-shared by a non-federal entity. Operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of these facilities must be assumed by a non-federal entity. '1'0 comply with Sections 105 and 106 of PUblic Law 92-514, the Colorado General Assembly, in 1979, authorized the Colorado Water Conservation Board to expend from its construction fund the sum of $500,000 to acquire the state lands needed for Closed Basin project facilities and to construct the enhancement facilities. 'I'his was necessary because the State Board of Land Comnlissioners, which is responsible for state owned lands, is required by the state constitution to receive full value for any lands, of which it disposes. Construction of the Closed Basin Project was initiated by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1980. Since that date the Colorado Water Conservation Board has cooperated with the Bureau on several matters related to the project's construction and has been instrumental in the accomplishment of the following activities: 1. Congressional reauthorization of the Closed Basin Project in 1980 providing for an increase in the cost ceiling, modification of plans as shown in the 1979 Definite Plan Report, and limitations on decreases in water levels in irrigation and domestic wells outside of the project boundaries. 2. Amendment of Title I of the Reclamation Project Act of 1972 to provide for the establishment of the Russell Lakes Waterfowl Management Area in lieu of the originally authorized Mishak National Wildlife Refuge. This amendment was approved by the Congress in October, 1984. 3. Negotiations of a lease agreement and contract between the United States and the State of Colorado for repayment of costs for separable fish and wildlife and recreation enhancement facilities in the Head-San Luis Lakes Area and for operation, maintenance, and replacement of such facilities. This agreement was executed in February, 1985. -2-