WSP07799 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

which agencies have lead, joint-lead or cooperating agency responsibilities, What is the distinction between the relationship between the BOR and the NPS, BIM, CWCB that would not be present if they were designated as cooperating agencies? How will this affect administration of the NEPA compliance process? Montrose participants were concerned that the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) should be more involved, and not just represented by the CWCB. Involvement of the CDOW is needed to study effects and make recommendations to protect the Gold Medal Trout fishery in the Gunnison RiveT and the Blue Mesa Reservoir sport fishery. As a result of discussions at the November 1992 meeting of the CWCB, it was decided that the State of Colorado will be represented in the NEPA analysis by the CDNR. The CDNR wrote that they will coordinate participation by the CWCB, the CDOW, the Division of Water Resources, and Attorney General. The Non-Federal Parties to the 1975 Exchange Agreement (CRWCD, UGRWCD, and lNWUA) all requested Cooperating agency status, They also want to be included as non-Federal, signatory parties to the contract negotiation (in addition to the CWCB) to represent the interests of water users of the Gunnison Basin. Responsibilities of the agencies need to be clearly defmed and coordinated. Item 22. Public Involvement - Opportunities for interagency coordination and public involvement need to be explained for the NEPA, decision-making and contract development processes. Refer to: Gunnison, Montrose, and Delta meetings; Congressman Campbell; Mr. Clark; the City of Colorado Springs; CRWCD; CREDA; the NPCA; Non-Federal Parties to the 1975 Exchange Agreement; UGRWCD; Ms. Kiefer; Mr. Miller; Arapahoe County; Mr. Jorgenson; the Montrose Economic Development Council; the Sierra Club, (62 comments) As Congressman Campbell noted, the process for developing a contract began when BOR first announced it would delay issuing a Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed AB Lateral Project. At that time, the BOR announced that it would be negotiating with other Department of Interior and State agencies to draft an agreement that would allow the Aspinall Unit to provide adequate flows for fish, wildlife and recreational uses in addition to satisfying the demand for water to deveIop new hydro-electric and water storage projects, Congressman Campbell stated that while the Gunnison Basin has long been in turmoil over water rights, western slope communities have demonstrated an admirable amount of cohesion around common issues. The UGRWCD, CRWCD, Tri-County Water Conservancy District, UVWUA, Colorado Ute, City of Delta, and others have been concerned about being able to use their Gunnison River water rights. Campbell felt the public meetings marked the beginning of the process to protect the Gunnison River and, represents an opportunity to solidify and stabilize 36