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"r, ~,,' QI) , , t i ',.11 " ~' . "J,..cJ'J meeting, it was suggested that revenue losses be compensated for by increasing the cost of power' to market level. The Montrose County Commissioners and the Montrose Economic Development Council noted ' that the proposed contract has the potential to adversely affect hydropower production and revenues because: (I) spring and summer releases that exceed the 2,000 cfsintake capacity of Crystal Powerplant represent lost electrical generation, and (2) power is worth more in the winter than in the spring; decreasing winter flows to provide high spring flows will substantially. decrease Aspinall Unit power revenues and will require W APA to fmd another power source at higher rates, Many commented on the need to identify cumulative impacts of replacing lost power because of the contract. Ms. Boretz wrote that environmental problems would be created if other dams are constructed to replace power losses, Montrose Partners emphasized that it would be important to quantify extra emissions caused by increased operation of existing gas- or coal-frred powerplants with implementation of the contract. Mr. Hinchman suggested that improving efficiency and "demand-side management" for existing power facilities could compensate for power losses caused by the contract. Item 18. Regional Economy - The analysis should address existing basinwide social and , economic impacts dependent on existing or future development of water supplies (agricUlture, ranching, tourism), Refer to: Gunnison, Montrose and Delta meetings; UGRWCD; Mr. Butterfield; the Montrose County Commissioners; the Montrose Economic Development Council; Montrose Partners; Mr. Robinson; Ms. Boretz; Congressman Campbell; Arapahoe County; CREDA; the NPC;A; Non- Federal Parties to the 1975 Exchange Agreement; the Sierra Club, (33 comments) Many respondents were concerned about contract-caused changes in water supply and,effeets on:; various businesses. such as agriculture, ranching, recreation, and tourism. It was stressed that the integration of Upper and Lower Gunnison Basin needs to avoid conflicts. Concerns were also expressed about economic losses and gains (including tax revenues) to local areas, counties, and the larger regional areas. Impacts to the quality of life, landlproperty values, and aesthetics were also mentioned.. Others were concerned about who would bear the costs of power losses and replacemenL Numerous respondents brought up the effect of the water delivery. contract ' on viability of other water projects (AB Lateral, Union Park Reservoir, transbasin diversions) . as well as on State of Colorado water storage and interstate compact provisions, There was some sentiment that the contract would increase the amount of water lost to other states, such as Arizona and California, One reviewer mentioned the potential impact on Federal budgets and staffs and how this might affect the regional economy. 33 '"." ",,',- ,";1: ,,"r.,- ,,~";