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<br />1806 <br /> <br />CHAPTER 7 <br /> <br />CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF FORT LYON WATER BANK <br /> <br />7.1 Introduction <br /> <br />Preceding chapters of this study described the Fort Lyon Canal Company (FLCC) System and <br />characterized the surrounding area. The system is a dominant feature of the lower Arkansas <br />River Valley, hydrologically and economically. Chapter 6 identified certain alternatives available <br />to the FLCC shareholders for additional uses of their water, The alternative selected for further <br />study was: <br /> <br />TRANSFERS TO NEW USES IN TIlE VAlLEY: <br />WATER BANKING <br /> <br />The purpose of this chapter is to describe the elements of a Fort Lyon Water Bank. The <br />operational, legal, administrative and financial aspects of such an organization are proposed. The <br />FLCC, at its sole discretion, may implement such a proposal for participation by its shareholders <br />on a voluntary basis. Additionally, it is probable that benefits would probably accrue to the <br />surrounding region such as increased economic and social stability. Economic development <br />opportunities might occur due to the availability of Fort Lyon water for alternative use. Refer to <br />Section 6.11 for more information on economic development. Refer to Section 6.6, and <br />Appendix 6.2 for more information on water banking, <br /> <br />In the following sections, general concepts, operating principles and potential benefits are <br />presented first. Then, details of delivery, legal requirements and storage are presented, <br />Operations analysis and return flow analysis are developed as examples of how such requirements <br />could be implemented. A financial analysis addresses cash flow, costs, and start-up. Draft <br />Operations presents a management approach and proposed rules and regulations. <br /> <br />7.2 Summarv 0t>eratinl!: Scheme <br /> <br />Before developing the details of the proposed Fort Lyon Water Bank (Fl..WB), the following <br />summary is presented to highlight the most important operational elements. Participation is <br />completely voluntary. The proposal is only one way such an enterprise could be operated, but in <br />the opinion of the study team, represents the most logical and feasible way to begin. <br /> <br />WilIing FLCC shareholders would offer their water for lease by "renters" through a bid/offer <br />process. Water would be delivered as usual to non-participating shareholders from the main <br />headgate and from Adobe Creek Reservoir storage. Water would be delivered to renters above <br />the Fl..CC main headgate from a water bank account in Pueblo Reservoir. Water would be delivered <br />to renters below the Fl..CC main headgate from water left in the river, herein called "deferred <br /> <br />7-1 <br />