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(Y') L0 .~ "'''; (:.;J c.-:> 17 ....-~'-.) piration requirements began to raise the ground water table in the lower- lying lands in the eastern and central parts of the Basin. The soils in these areas eventually became waterlogged and were largely abandoned and the irrigated farming activities moved continually west across the Valley floor. Thus the lush wheat and oat fields were turned into salt flats, while the excess water evaporated uselessly into the atmosphere. 16 Many individual farmers attempted to drain these lands, but the farmers in the eastern and central portion on the Basin found the magnitude and expense of individual efforts overWhelming. Much discussion about the problem ensued during the years, but nothinq concrete was done. The drafters of the Rio Grande River Compact saw a use for the water. Article III of the Compact envisioned the possible use of the excess water in the Basin to fulfill Colorado's delivery commitments to New Mexico, but certain water quality restrictions were also written into the Compact. SUbsequently, the San Luis Valley Project, in conformity with the provisions of Section 9 of the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 and as described in House Document 693, 76th Congress, Third Session, was authori zed under a secretari a 1 findi ng of feas i bi 1 ity. An expenditure of $500,000 was authorized for the construction of a drain, but construction was contingent on a finding of both a justification for .the drain on the basis of cost and on the basis of the quantity and quality of water to be secured, and also contingent on the establishment of adequate arrangements for the maintenance of the drain. 17 Following 16 Hafen, Colorado and Its People, Vol. II, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, (New York, 1943). 17A Report on Closed Basin Division, supra., p. 59.