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c.::> Arkansas River and Tributaries above John Martin Dam, Colorado -0--- - ______________ ~-f:f c.:> ,.. N Q:) The Board concurred in the need for a careful study of the environmental aspects of any plan of improvement proposed for the Arkansas River from Pueblo to Las Animas. It concludes, however, that such studies should be made prior to authorization of the prorect:. The two primary reasons for the Board's conclusion were: (a) Significant adverse environmental impacts would probably result in a Board recommendation that the channelization project not be authorized. It is considered important therefore that the Board have the results of the environmental impact study available for review :.::-....,..., . ....;.~.,.~ :<.~.S::: prior to considering the overall merits of the proposed improvements; and (b) Authorization of the channelization project would focus the environmental studies on the impact of the channelization plan; and the Board believed that there is a need to reevaluate the problems and needs along the main stem of the Arkansas Ri~er considering all possible structural and nonstructural alterna- tives without the potential prejudice toward an authorized plan of improvement. The Board further noted that the proposed channelization includes a reach (designated as reach 2 - urban) that would provide flood protection for the city of La Junta. This local protection project is well justified economically and can be constructed with or without the remainder of the channelization project. The potential for adverse environmental impacts within this urban teach Is believed to be small. The Board, therefore, concluded that authorization and construc- tion of the local protection project at La Junta should not be deferred because of the environmental impact study. The benefit-cost ratio for the improvement is l. 6. 2 .:".ol:':", .' ",