WSP03063

• File Number: 8449.900
• Description: Bear Creek
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 1/1/1980
• Author: CWCB
• Title: Board Memos and Resolutions
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Board Memo

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central colorado water
conservancy district

2308 29th Street Suite 2 Greeley. Colorado 80631
Phone: [phone] Metro Phone: [phone]

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August 10, 1984

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Mr. Richard W. Johnston, Jr.
Chairman
Colorado Water Conservation Board
P.O. Box 387
Montrose, Colorado 81401

Dear Mr. Johnston.

The Board of Directors of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District
has b.."m working diligently toward acquisition of storage space in Bear
Creek Lake. As part of these efforts, we have held lengthy discussions
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the State Engineer, Genesee Water
Distri-d:, Mount Carbon Water District, Congressman Hank Brown, City of
Lakewood, Mr. David Getches. and the staff of the Colorado Water Conserva-
tion Board in order to develop an equitable and reasonable allocation of
costs and space in the reservoir.

We understand that the Conservation Board is now urging the Corps of
Engineers to make a decision on the availability of storage space in Bear
Creek Lake, and we agree with this action. It is time that everyone, who
is interested in storage in the lake, work as a group to bring about
storage for the beneficial use of as many people as possible.

I would like to point out our concerns on this issue. First, no one must
be allowed to make a profit from acquisition of space in Bear Creek Lake at
the expense of others who have expressed an interest in such space. The
project was built for the benefit of the entire area, not in the interest
of a few.

Second, maximum use must be made of water stored in the reservoir, ,The
South Platte Basin is a water-short system, and every effort must be made
to utilize this new storage to its greatest maximization. This can be
accomplished through reuse. Central is able to use the second or final use
of all water, stored in the lake, that is initially utilized by the munic-
ipalities and water districts that have expressed an interest in Bear Creek
water. This multiple use of water will not only increase the efficient use
of the water, but will also lead to lower costs for all entities inyolved
since more participants will be able to use the project water supply.

Third, management of the facility must not be based on who receiyes the
greatest share of project water, or who currently holds a recreational
lease for the shore line of the lake. Management must rest with the entity
that is structured to meet this need. Currently, the U.S. Army Corps of

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