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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TITLE TRANSFER OF SELECTED COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON PROJECT WATER FACILITIES TO THE NORTHERN COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT northeastern Colorado. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to docwnent the environmental effects that would result from the proposed change in ownership of the Dixon Feeder Canal, Charles Hansen Supply Canal and Windsor Extension, and North Poudre Supply Canal and Diversion Works, Ownership of these single-purpose C-BT Project water facilities would be transferred to the District. This EA will lead either to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) if the effects are found to be significant, or to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Reclamation will determine whether an EIS or FONSI is appropriate after the public and other organizations and agencies have the opportunity to review and comment on this document. Purpose and Need As part of the federal government's National Performance Review, Reclamation has undertaken a program to transfer title of facilities that could be efficiently and effectively managed by non-federal entities and that are not of national importance. In accordance with this program, Reclamation proposes to transfer the facilities to the District. The purposes of the proposed transfer of title to the District are: 1. Divest Reclamation of all present and future responsibility for and cost associated with the management, operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement of, and liability for, these facilities. 2, Eliminate duplication of efforts between the District and Reclamation in issuing and administering crossing licenses and other forms of permission to utilize the land on which the facilities are located. 3. Provide for local control over single-purpose water facilities that are not of national importance. About Title Transfer Existing law does not authorize Reclamation to divest itself of title to any portion of the C-BT Project. Therefore, Congressional action would be required if title to the selected facilities were to be transferred by Reclamation. 3 ,)