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The cost assessed any particular project is based upon the amount of water <br />that the project would annually deplete From the UCRB in proportion to the <br />• amount available for development. It has been estimated by the Bureau of <br />Reclamation that a total of 1.906 million acre-feet (Maf) remains available <br />for development in the Upper Basin under the Colorado River Compact. Of this <br />amount, 231,000 acre-feet are allocated to Arizona and New Mexico and will <br />eventually be diverted from the San Juan River and would not affect areas of <br />currently occupied habitat in the Colorado River and Green River subbasina. <br />This leaves 1.675 Maf in the UCRB as the value against which project <br />depletions are assessed in calculating a project's proportion of the <br />conservation measures. Based upon the average use projection of 11.9 of/yr <br />for the WECC, the amount of contribution to the Conservation Measures would <br />not exceed $178.00. A contribution of this amount to the conservation fund <br />will offset the impacts of the depletion of water to endangered fishes and <br />will avoid jeopardy for these species. Arrangements for the contribution of <br />these funds should be made as soon as possible, prior to the time that your <br />permitting action is finalized. Payment should be made to the Regional <br />Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal <br />Center, Denver, Colorado, 80225. <br />Should there be any changes in the amount of water depletion (11.9 acre-feet <br />on an average, annual basis) or any other project change from that which was <br />proposed which may affect any endangered or threatened species, or if there is <br />failure to agree to the Conservation Measures outlined above, then the FWS <br />should be contacted to determine if further consultation is required. <br />• <br />Robert G. Ruesink <br />cc: OES/Washington <br />CDOW/GJ <br />Frank Dunkle, RO <br />Margot Zallen, Solicitor's Office <br />West Elk Coal Company <br />_~ <br />4 <br />