Animas La Plata Project - Frequently Asked Questions Page 3

Frequently Asked Questions

9) What about Indian artifacts in the basin?

All artifacts from Ridges Basin will be transferred to the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, CO for permanent curation.

10) How long will it take to build the project and to fill the Reservoir?

Our construction schedule currently has a project completion date of 2012. The reservoir could begin to be filled in the fall of 2009. Currently, it is anticipated it will take two years to fill the reservoir. This fill period depends upon many variables, including: amount of moisture received in the area, maintaining minimum bypass flows in the Animas River, water rights, as well as structural performance.

11) What is the Navajo Nation Municipal Pipeline?

The Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 2000 provides the Secretary of Interior the authority to construct a water line to augment the existing system that conveys municipal water supplies to the Navajo Indian Reservation. The Navajo Nation Municipal Pipeline is this upgrade/augmentation that will transmit 4,680 acre feet per year of ALP water from the City of Farmington to Shiprock and Navajo Nation communities in between.

Construction

12) Can I get a job working on the Project?

There will be some limited employment opportunities available for work on the Animas-La Plata Project.

To learn of job opportunities with the Bureau of Reclamation, please call our Regional Office in Salt Lake City at 801-524-3811.

To learn of job opportunities with the construction contractor, telephone Weeminuche Construction Company at 970-565-7430.

To learn of job opportunities with the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe, telephone 970-564-5623.

To learn of job opportunities with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, telephone 970-563-0100.

13) How are you protecting the public during all of this construction?

Protecting the public during construction is Reclamation's highest priority. We are attempting to maintain a high level of public awareness through periodic news releases, public outreach meetings, a toll free hotline with construction updates, and our website.

During the work at the pumping plant, the entire area will be fenced and traffic will be detoured during rock blasting operations.

During construction activities in and around Ridges Basin, CR 211 and the surrounding area will be closed to public access.