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Colorado Springs Utilities Pilot Project Proposal <br />November 16, 2018 <br />Page 10 <br /> <br />and when” account or operation of the CWPDA Rule 14 Plan. Trades with entities who store water in <br />Pueblo Reservoir could also be effectuated to facilitate project operations and reduce transit losses. The <br />CWPDA Rule 14 Plan involves use of Pueblo Reservoir, which is owned and operated as part of the <br />Fry-Ark Project by the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Any use of the <br />Fry-Ark Project facilities used in operation of the CS-U Pilot Project, for storage, exchange, release or <br />otherwise, will occur only pursuant to the terms and conditions of any applicable contracts, any Rule 14 <br />Plan approval or other approval, and all applicable rules and policies of Southeastern and the U.S. <br />Bureau of Reclamation. Use of Winter Water to meet return flow obligations from the fallowing of <br />historically irrigated lands will be consistent with the terms and conditions contained in the Winter <br />Water Storage Program (“WWSP”) decreed in Case No. 84CW179 (Water Div. 2), Southeastern’s <br />contract for Winter Water storage in Pueblo Reservoir and any “if and when” contracts with the Bureau <br />of Reclamation, and other applicable terms and conditions contained in the Rule 14 Plan. Beneficial <br />use of such water will occur within Southeastern’s district boundaries. <br />VI. Conclusion <br />Applicant appreciates the opportunity to apply for participation in the HB 13-1248 pilot <br />program to test the efficacy of a larger, more complex fallowing-leasing project as an alternative to <br />permanent agricultural dry-up. We believe that the proposed CS-U Pilot Project meets all of the <br />requirements for, and fulfills the objectives of, the contemplated pilot projects. Moreover, this larger <br />scale demonstration would alone meet 10 percent of the 2050 goal of Colorado’s Water Plan for <br />Alternative Transfer Methods. Applicant therefore request s the CWCB consider selection of this CS-U <br />Pilot Project Proposal pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-60-115(8) and the Criteria and Guidelines at the <br />CWCB’s January, 2019 meeting. Applicant would welcome the opportunity to make a presentation on <br />the CS-U Pilot Project at that time. Selection at the January meeting would allow Applicants to submit <br />their application in time for the CWCB’s consideration at the April meeting, which would <br />accommodate the successful implementation of the CS-U Pilot Project in 2020. Please let us know if <br />you have any questions or would like additional information. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> <br /> <br /> Peter D. Nichols <br /> Megan Gutwein <br />cc: John Schweizer; Gerry Knapp <br /> <br />