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<br />3 <br /> <br />plus annual OM&R costs. <br /> <br />c. Drafting and seeking Congressional approval of Federal legislation <br />to reallocate the costs associated with the fish and wildlife portion of <br />the 21,650 acre-feet as nonreimbursable. <br /> <br />d. Lease of CWCS's portion of the 21,650 acre-feet to the Recovery <br />Program for a yet to be determined period of time for endangered <br />species, with CWCS receiving credit toward the State's obligation to the <br />Recovery ,Program. <br /> <br />e. An agreement to provide and deliver 21,650 acre-feet of water for <br />the next four years while an agreement is formulated and legislation is <br />enacted. <br /> <br />In addition to roles and responsibilities, the MOU should include target <br />dates, agreed to by the parties, for accomplishing the following: <br /> <br />The CWCS, the Service, Reclamation, and stakeholders to identify <br />and clarify all issues that must be resolved to provide water for <br />endangered fishes. <br /> <br />The parties to resolve issues and develop and approve a plan by <br />August 1998. <br /> <br />CWCS to draft legislation to implement the agreed upon plan. <br /> <br />Colorado legislators to introduce the proposed legislation. <br /> <br />For legislation to be enacted. <br /> <br />Until legislation is enacted, Ruedi Round II water contracts will be limited <br />to 6,000 acre-feet and Reclamation will not issue the contracts until the MOU <br />is signed by all parties. Once legislation is enacted, Reclamation can issue <br />contracts up to 17,000 acre-feet as outlined in the 1995 biological opinion. <br />The Round II contracts for up to 6,000 acre-feet will contain a clause that <br />requires reinitiation of section 7 consultation if legislation is not enacted <br />by September 1, 2001. <br /> <br />Thank you for your cooperation in the formulation of this biological opinion <br />and your interest in conserving endangered species. <br /> <br />bcc: AES/TE, Washington, D.C. <br />FWS/CO/KS/NE/UT, Denver <br />FWS/ES, Grand Junction <br />FWS/ES, Lakewood <br />