WSP08467

• File Number: 8507
• Description: Rio Grande Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Date: 6/6/1950
• Title: Summary Report of Clifford H. Stone/ Director Colorado Water Conservation Board
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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The National Park Service, Recreational and Wilderness Organizations,
and various "Nature Lovers" groups throughout the country appeared in opposi-
tion to the storage of water in the Dinosaur National Monument. The Secretary
announced that he would personally read and study the entire record before he
reaches a decision. It is anticipated that a decision may not be forthcoming
for some weeks; but it is believed that a strong and convincing shcwdng favor-
able to the storage of water at Echo Park was made.

It should also be stated that, in the op1n10n of the proponents of the
Echo Park Project, the recreational advantages of the Dinosaur National
Monument will be improved rather than in any manner injured through the pro-
posed construction. It is clear, too, that refusal to permit such storage in
the Dinosaur Nation!'!l Uonument ..ill seriously affect the proposed project for
several re!'!sons. Particular mention should be made of the fact that any
substitute storage sites would result in at least the loss of 350,000 acre-
feet of water to the Upper Basin through evaporation.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board at its last meeting approved the storage
of water at Echo Park.

5. Frying Pan - Arkansas Proposed Transmountain Diversion Project.

Since the last meeting of the Board, the Policy and Review Committee of the
proposed Frying Pan - Arkansas Transmountain Project has completed its work
and at this meeting transmits to the Colorado 'Ilater Conservation Board its
report. The report of this Committee ydll appear in detail form. Copies of
the report of the Comsittee ydll be made ~vailable to each member of the
Beard. It is expected that the Board will act upon this report at the June
15-16 meeting.

6. ,Narrows. Reservoir. In accordance vdth I'\ction of the Board at its
last meeting, the Directorha& prepared and submitted a memorandum to all
signers of the petition on the Narrows Reservoir, which petition was con~
sidered by the Board at its last meeting. The preparation and submission of
this memorandum was delayed in the hopes that more specific information on
the current investigation could be included. A copy of the memo is attached
hereto.

7. Collbr~n Project. On January 4, 1950 the Director of Region 4,
Bureau of Reclamation, trnnsmitted to the Wp.shington Office of the Bureau the
final report on the Collbran Project located near Grand Junction, Colorado.

This project is economically feasible under the Federal Reclamation
Laws, as interpreted by thG Department of the Interior, ,dthout nid from
power revenues derived from the hold-over storRge reservoirs under the pro-
posed Colorado River Storage project. The Colorndo Nater Conservation Board
recommGnded thnt it not be included as a "participating project" under the
Colorado River storage plan. There &e few, if nny, other proposed projects
in the Upper Colorado River basin which stand in such a favorable position
as to economic justification. C '~ ' -2 *1 Q

The Director met ,nth representatives of the Bureau of Reclamation
and Congressman Aspinall, when he was in.lashington in April, to initiate the
procedure for the authorizntion of this project by the present session of
Congress. At the request of Congressman Aspinall, a bill for its authorization