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<br />. <br /> <br />00016~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />L. Current Status of Planninq <br /> <br />Arkansas River Basin <br /> <br />The Arkansas Valley Project, as formulated by the U. S. <br />Bureau of Reclamation, is located in the Arkansas River Basin <br />and extends from the headwaters of the Arkansas River near <br />Leadville to the Colorado-Kansas state line. Appraisal investiga- <br />tions were initiated in F. Y. 1970 to provide additional detail <br />on development potentials identified in the Upper Arkansas River <br />Basin Report, dated 1969, and input to the State Water Plan. The <br />studies include evaluation of the potential for enhancing present <br />irrigation water supplies by improvements to existing irrigation <br />systems, by integrated use of ground and surface water sources, <br />and by increased regulation of flood and normal flows in the <br />Colorado portion of the Arkansas River Basin. Deterioration of <br />water quality in the lower reaches of the Arkansas River is being <br />given special consideration, and possible ways to improve water <br />quality are being examined. The Appraisal Report is scheduled for <br />completion this fiscal year. . <br /> <br />The U. S. Soil Conservation Service and the U. S. Army Corps <br />of Engineers, Albuquerque District, are also studying the basin <br />as to needs and possible viable solutions. The SCS has initiated <br />a Type IV study, scheduled for completion in F. Y. 1974. The Corps <br />started construction of the multi-purpose Trinidad Project in 1968. <br />A major contract for dam embankment, spillway, O&M facilities, <br />access roads, and C&W railroad relocation was awarded in 1972. The <br />contract is about 10 percent complete. Preauthorization studies <br />by the Corps on the Arkansas River above and below John Martin Dam <br />indicate that a study should be made that takes into consideration <br />all appropriate structural and non-structural alternatives for <br />flood ' control and allied purposes and,the environmental impact of <br />such improvements. Special flood control project reports for <br />Granada and Holly are scheduled for completion in early F. Y. 1974. <br /> <br />The state, through the action of the Board, has purchased <br />water rights sufficient to maintain a permanent pool in John Martin <br />Reservoir for recreational purposes; and the staff is in the process <br />of formulating a plan of operation that will be agreeable to the <br />water users in Colorado and Kansas. <br /> <br />10 <br />