WSP04102

• File Number: 8276.100
• Description: Grand Valley Unit-Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 4/1/1993
• Title: Wildlife Habitat Replacement Issues: Grand Valley Unit - CRWQIP
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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DISCUSSION POINTS

In 1977, the BaR committed to underwrite the USDA program in the
Grand Valley in return for the FWS's support of the Stage One
EA/FONSI. This commitment does not extend to other units.

The 1977 commitment stated that BaR would execute its obligation
after the USDA program was completed in 1989.

The Secretary of the Interior is directed by the Salinity Control
Act to implement replacement concurrent with development of the
units authorized.

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Construction authority for this action is not clear. Solicitor
has not made a formal opinion nor researched topic beyond the
wording of the Act. Based on a very brief review of the Act, he
believes that there may be sufficient authority to allow
Reclamation to proceed, but that this authority is not clear. He
recognizes that authority could be challenged by Forum if they
wish to contest that authority.

With the Forum's concurrence, Reclamation will have the Solicitor
make a determination. If needed, Reclamation will seek
additional authority. In either case, appropriation authority
will be required through the normal budget process.

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If USDA program catches up and replaces more tha~ 800 acres of
the full 1,200 acres required, Reclamation could use the balance
(up to 400 acres) for its own habitat replacement need!:!. _-;;...
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Based on past experience, wildlife development costs for Grand ,r~"...~"
Valley are $800 per acre for land acquisition, $1,350 per acre/ .(. .le;;
for development, and $85 per acre for O&M. Total capital costs ~....-
would be $860,000, annual O&M costs would be $34,000. /

Reclamation's wildlife developments are along the river bottom
and do not contribute to the salinity problem. 'I'he numerous
small ponds created by the USDA cause some concern.

USDA and BaR wildlife replacement costs are comparable due to the
economy of scale for the BaR developments.

Costs will count against the BaR ceiling and cost effectiveness
unless USDA transfers funds (not expected).

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