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. . participated in the April 1 "f' tour of Yuma Island. During a conference call that was held on April 25th, those who participated in the tour shared information that was obtained during the tour with others from California to assist in the development of the Board's recommended comments. Also during the conference call, the utility of having a historian research Reclamation's and others files to obtain a historical perspective associated with water use and development on Yuma Island and its relationship, if any, to the 25,000 acres referenced in California's Seven Party Agreement was discussed. It was the opinion of those on the conference call that this may produce useful information and that this research should be undertaken. MWD volunteered fund this research as part of its ongoing activities. The next meeting of the California parties is scheduled for May 20, 2002. During that meeting the California parties will further discuss Yuma Island issues and initiate development of their recommended comments for presentation to the Board and ultimately to the Yuma Island Independent Panel. Yuma Area Water Resources Management Group As has been discussed at previous Board meetings, the Yuma Area Water Resources Management Group (Y A WRMG) has generally been working toward addressing local water resource management issues in the Yuma area. Additionally, the Y A WRMG has developed a proposed project to lower the groundwater level in Yuma Valley by increasing the pumpage of drainage wells. Reclamation, as a member of the Y A WRMG, has agreed to provide funding up to $2,000,000 for rehabilitation of the existing wells and drilling six new wells, and other appurtenant works. Reclamation intends to obtain credit for the additional water pumped and delivered to Mexico as a part of the annual Treaty delivery obligation. If the water is determined to be non-Colorado River water, Reclamation has filed an application with the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to obtain a permit to transfer the pumped water, pursuant to existing Arizona Public Water Code. Since granting a permit to Reclamation to export this water may affect the Article V Decree accounting, the delivery of mainstream Colorado River water to Mexico, and reservoir operations in the Lower Basin, I sent a letter, dated March 15,2002, to Mr. Robert Johnson, the Regional Director of the Lower Colorado Region of Reclamation requesting that these issues be discussed among the Lower Division States prior to any decision. Toward this end, Reclamation scheduled a conference call on April 26, 2002 to discuss the concerns of the State of California and Upper Colorado River Commission. I indicated that, at this time, California does not have adequate information to be able to provide meaningful comments by the proposed May 8, 2002, comment deadline. Based upon the discussion during the conference call, Reclamation agreed to either temporarily withdraw its application or request an extension of the comment deadline for an additional 30 days, In a letter, dated May 3, 2002, Reclamation requested a 30-day continuance of the ADWR hearing process. Based upon Reclamation's request, on May 6, 2002, ADWR issued an order granting a 30-day continuance to provide additional time for review of the proposed permit application by interested parties. Copies of the Board's letter, Reclamation' s request for continuance, and ADWR's order are included in the handout materials. Also, I have been advised that a meeting will be scheduled prior to the comment 4 ,..