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. . ,J California's Colorado River Water Use Plan Status of the Colorado River Water Use Plan The Board staff continues to prepare the next draft of Cali fomi a's Colorado River Water Use Plan (Plan). The version currently available for public review and comment is dated May 2000, As soon as the next iteration is completed, I will transmit it to the water agencies, for their review and comment. The next draft of the Plan will include a detailed description of the agreements and activities associated with implementation of the ISG, QSA, and related agreements, as well as providing updated information on other programs and activities. Colorado River Environmental Activities Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program On December 4,2003, the technical contractors who are preparing the draft LCR MSCP Conscrvation Strategy Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report (EISIEIR) released the final administrative draft documents for review and comment by the Department of Interior agencies in the Washington, D.C. offices. This version of the EISIEIR includes comments received during the three days of public information meetings held in early- November 2003. This Washington Office review is scheduled to be completed by February 2004, At that point, a final draft of the EISIEIR and Biological Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan will be released for broad circulation and public review and comment. It is the intent of the Department of the Interior to have the EISIEIR Record of Decision (ROD) signed by Secretary Norton in late-November 2004. Prior to November 2004 there will be significant involvement by Washington D.C. staff within the Department of the Interior in the development of several important documents and policy guidelines, including the long-term implementation of the LCR MSCP, funding of the program and its implementation, and the cost- sharing ofthe program, Representatives of the LCR MSCP Steering Committee are working closely with Department of the Interior staff and the technical contractors to identifY critical path issues, the time line, and potential budget implications. Also the proposed LCR MSCP legislative strategy process is moving forward. The Ad Hoc subcommittee has prepared a scope-of-work for retaining a person to fill the position of Legislative Project Manager. The primary responsibility of this proposed position is to coordinate the development of the federal legislative package authorizing implementation and funding of the LCR MSCP. The position will be responsible for working with appropriate staff and legislative liaisons in each of the LCR MSCP participating agencies, coordinating the Washington, D.C. lobbying efforts, identifying key congressional subcommittees and committees to be briefed, preparing briefing materials, and reporting back to the Steering Committee. Currently, the Ad Hoc subcommittee is chaired by Mr, George Caan of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada. 4