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1-: Project Statistics Es~imated project cost (January 1976) $270,000,000 Water supply (Colorado only) Municipal and industrial Irrigation (59,300 acres) 49,900 a.f. 98,600 a.f. Annual depletion of the. Coloraqo River l20,000 a.f. Annual salinity increase at Imperial Dam 7.5 mg/l Benefi t-cos tratio l.l2: 1 Environmental Impact The feasibility plan has peen altered to eliminate Howardsville Reservoir and the Animas Diversion Canal, both of which would have a detrimental impact on the environment from the. standpoint .of their effect on water quality and aesthetics of the area. The alternate plan for pumping water from the lower Animas River to serve the project lands would significantly reduce the environmental impact of the project. Sufficient water would be released downstream to maintain a fishery in the Animas River below the diversion. The environmental impact of irrigation will.be minor as most lands in the project are either presently irrigated or dry farmed. There may be some increases of salinity in the Colorado River from irrigation and M&l use of water by the project. Secondary effects of providing water for private developments., such as a thermal powerplant in the area, will need to be determined and remedial measures id~ntified to reduce pollution. Current Status Advance planning studies were initiated in FY 1971 with funds contributed by the State of Colorado and local water user organiza- tions. Federal funds in the amount of $225,000 were appropriated in FY 1971 and placed in budgetary reserve. Total investigation costs to September 30, 1976, including feasibility and advance planning studies amount to $l,945,966. Present advance planning activities are centered around completion of the Definite Plan Report by April 1978. The La Plata a~d Southwestern Districts have joined in a ca~paign to organize a new conservancy district in Colorado. The present La Plata. Water. Conservancy District will be dissolved if the new district is organized;. 3