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Chapter 3 -- Identification and Analysis of Options Following review of the problem/opportunity and needs statements, the work group brainstormed ways or options for addressing the needs. Reclamation then developed a brief analysis of the options. For each need, the analysis includes a comparative description of various options that identifies problem solving effectiveness, fatal flaws, costs, and other considerations. The objective was to develop the analysis in sufficient detail to provide the information needed by the work group to screen the options and identify the most viable ones for more detailed study. This analysis is broken into the following needs categories and begins on page 24: . Recreational use improvements . Flood control . Endangered fish recovery . Domestic water supply . Improvement of Colorado River diversion The cost estimates and economic analyses presented in the following tables assumed an interest rate of 7.625% (the FY-96 Federal interest rate) and a 50 year project life. The cost estimates include engineering and design and in some cases, contingencies. Many of the options would require the support and cooperation of the SWCD for implementation. In all options, the assumption was made that new or non-project water would be stored on a space available basis and would be the first water spilled. This avoids direct impacts to the primary purpose of the Silt Project (the reason it was funded and built by the Federal government) to provide irrigation water to eligible lands. No Action alternatives were also developed for each need. Choosing a no action alternative means maintaining the "Status-Quo. and not addressing or trying to solve the problems or taking advantage of opportunities which the Silt Project could help with. It would mean someone's quality of life may not be maintained or improved. If a no action alternative is accepted, the following consequences may occur: . Local needs for domestic water (both improved qualitY and quantity) may go unmet. . $7 million may be invested in recreational facilities at Riffe Gap Reservoir. However, without sufficient water levels during the recreation season, public enjoyment of the updated facilities will be limited and the full benefit to the local tourist economy will not be achieved. . Summer thunderstorm events causing serious flooding through the city of 16