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ALTERNATIYES TO THE ANIMAS-LAPLATA I'ROJECT PROPOSED BY THE SOUTHERN UTE GR4SSROOTS COMMITTEE The Southern Ute Grassroots Committee believes that development of the Animas- LaPlata Project (ALP) as presently contemplated is not in the best interest ofthe Tribe, It will not fulfill the promises of the ] 986 Water Rights Settlement Agreement. The financial obligations it could impose on the Tribe out weigh any benefits the Tribe would obtain, It is clear that many non-Indians in the area stand to benefit from the ALP, and it is clear that the ALP will damage the environment. What is not clear is how the ALP, as presently configured, is a wise and fair exchange for our historic water rights. To date, there has been no meaningful opponunity for Tribal members to explore and understand what alternatives exist to the ALP, We urge in the strongest terms that the ALP be placed on hold until all ALP alternatives, including non- development, have been fully and fairly reviewed by interested Tribal members, other project panicipants, the interested public and the peninent government agencies. The Federal Government has acknowledged that the ALP is wasteful. It will cost taxpayers almost $700 million - more than the combined benefits (objectively calculated) it would provide to all concerned. The ALP's environmental problems make it impossible for the project to be completed on time or in a way that fulfills the promises made to our people. These circumstances afford our Tribe two options under the] 986 Settlement Agreement. L We can waive the delays and reduced benefits and accept something less than promised, at whatever date it becomes available. or 2, We can follow the path of our Nonhern Ute cousins and seek an alternative settlement that does not require development of the ALP. We believe that an alternative water rights settlement, derived fror'l possibilities like those described below, would better serve the Southern Ute People, The following ideas are consistent with workable ALP alternatives that exist for most other project panicipants, They offer great potential savings to both federal and four corners area taxpayers, And, they are kinder to our sacred lands and water. However, these are just our initial ideas and suggestions made to us by expens we have contacted, More and perhaps better ideas will surface when the process behind the ALP is opened to full and honest alternative analysis, l. Water for Specific Tribal roIeeds The package could include: . Financial and technical assistance to develop, rehabilitate and enhance reseT\'ation groundwater and existing surface water resources, What potential exists to use clean aquifers under Tribal lands for water storage~ A survey is needed to identif)' these opponunities, their potential and cost.