WSP11024

• File Number: 8543
• Description: Closed Basin Division
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 1/1/1981
• Title: Briefing Statement: Closed Basin Division - San Luis Valley Project - Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

.

.

.

c:'.:
--.;

Cs\. \Cllrl

".

-:~~

-

"'-1
. .~)

Briefing Statement: Closed Basin Division, San Luis Valley Project, Colorado.

,

Description:

This is a multiple-purpose water resource project' designed to deliver to the
Rio Grande groundwater now being'lost to evaporation and transpiration in the
Closed Basin in A1amosa and Saguache Counties, Colorado. This water delivery
will assist the State of Colorado in meeting its commitments to the States of
N~w Mexico and Texas under the Rio Grande Compact of 1939 and will assist the
United States in meeting its commitments to the Republic of Mexico under the
Rio Grande Convention of 1906. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 92-514)
as amended, provides for the delivery of water to the Alamosa National Wildlife
Refuge, the establishment of the Mishak National Wildlife Refuge, the water.
level stabilization and recreational faci1i1y development at San Luis Lake and
the enhancement of fish and wildlife resources.

.

Construction:

Wells to pump from the unconfined aquifer will be developed in four stages. Con-
tracts have been awarded and work started on 25 Stage 1-2 salvage wells and on
Stage 3 test we 11 s. Speci fi cations are being prepared for bi ds on 18 more Stage
1-2 salvage wells. Designs and specifications are being prepared on operation
and maintenance facilities that will be used for office and laboratory space during
construction, with a bid call later this summer. Other work in progress includes
purchase of right-of-way, collection of field data for Stage 1-2 canals and
laterals, and archeological investigations. About 10 years will be required to
complete all stages of the project at an estimated cost of $75,105,000 (prices as
of 10/82).