Laserfiche WebLink
RGDSS Memorandum <br />Final <br />TO: Ray Bennett <br />FROM: Jim Brannon, Hydrosphere <br />SUBJECT: RGDSS Surface Water, Task 4.5 -Rio Grande Water Conservation District <br />Interview <br />DATE: June 22, 1999 <br />CC: Randy Seaholm <br />Introduction <br />This memorandum represents partial delivery (1 of 3 interviews) associated with Task 4.5, Water <br />Agency Interviews /Prepare Summary Memoranda. The objective of this task is as follows: <br />Meet with representatives of the principle water user agencies and groups in the Basin to <br />obtain an understanding of agency missions and specific water management and <br />operations activities and water rights having important administrative implications. <br />On February 11, 1999, an interview was conducted with Mr. Ralph Curtis, President of the Rio <br />Grande Water Conservation District (RGWCD or District). The purpose of this interview was to <br />develop a better understanding of District operations and responsibilities such that this <br />information could be reflected in surface water modeling efforts associated with the Rio Grande <br />Decision Support System (RGDSS). The following discussion summarizes information <br />developed during this interview. <br />Organization <br />The Rio Grande Water Conservation District was created as a result of a lawsuit brought against <br />the State of Colorado by New Mexico and Texas in 1966 because of Colorado's alleged failure to <br />meet its Rio Grande Compact obligations. The general mission of the RGWCD currently is to <br />"develop, conserve, manage and protect" the water supply of the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado. <br />However, the specific mission initially was to form a tax base for raising money necessary to <br />represent Colorado water users in the New Mexico/Texas lawsuit. <br />The RGWCD has the geographic domain of 7 ofthe 8 counties in Colorado's Water Division 3. <br />Costilla County opted to not participate in the formation of the RGWCD because it was not <br />directly influenced by the New Mexico/Texas lawsuit. The RGWCD has the power to levy taxes <br />and does so for the purposes stated above. The RGWCD Board of Directors currently consists of: <br />• Ray Wright, President <br />• George Whitten, Vice-President <br />• Floyd Chiles, Secretary/Treasurer <br />• Roy Archuletta (Saguache Creek Water Users Association, <br />Secretary/Treasurer) <br />• Mike Willet (Conejos Water Conservancy District, Vice-President) <br />C:Acdss\RGWCD.doc Rio Grande Water Conservation District Interview May 10 -Page 1 of 4 <br />