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<br />-, <br /> <br />'.0. <br />- <br /> <br />l. .., <br /> <br />.-, <br />--.. <br /> <br />The non-structural aspects of the selected alternative are primarily improvements in irrigation <br /> <br />efficiency and water system operations to better utilize existing water supplies. <br /> <br />The feasibility and implementation phase of the San Miguel Study is currently underway in a <br />joint effort by the CWCB, Boyle Engineering, the USBR, the County Extension Service, the SCS, <br />and the local ditch companies. The first steps in feasibility and implementation include the <br />development of a detailed data base of farm specific information, reservoir operating plans for <br />the irrigation systems in the study area, a water marketing program to encourage the voluntary <br />exchange of water between irrigators, and site specific investigations for future structural <br /> <br />improvements. <br /> <br />Future activities proposed for the next three to four years include improvements in operations, <br />maintenance and irrigation efficiency as well as expansion of an existing reservoir and <br />improvements to the distribution systems. The long-term objectives of the program are more <br />efficient use of existing water supplies, joint operation of the two major irrigation systems in the <br />study area and additional storage capacity. <br /> <br />While much remains to be done to realize all of the benefits of the proposed San Miguel Project, <br /> <br />the process is well underway. During the next two to three years, study recommendations <br />should result in some significant changes in the study area. The most significant changes, <br />however, have already taken place and they are an increased spirit of cooperation among water <br />users and a willingness on their part to explore new ideas. <br /> <br />The San Miguel Study represents a potential new direction in water resource planning for the <br />CWCB and for Colorado. Traditionally, the CWCB has funded primarily structural <br />improvements. This is the first time the agency has considered a project which relies heavily <br />upon non-structural improvements. The reason for this is apparent in that the combination of <br /> <br />9 <br />