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--- (Jj ':1 ~"-1 _I . -:... c.) These efforts included engineers, biologists, geologists, archeologists, bota- nists, water quality technicisns, and many other specialists. Social scientists made studies of the possible economic effects of the project's development. These included irrigation benefits that will result from project operation. Social impacts ranging from population increases and housing to education and taxes were projected and studied. Many of the methods used to process the information gained in these studies were highly technical and specialized. The results have gone into the design and planning of the Closed Basin Division. Background From 1939 to 1955, the concept of a gravity drain in different Valley locations to improve water quality and quantity was addressed. House Document No. 693 recommended that a drain be built generally through the sump of the Closed Basin. This would salvage water that is not being beneficially used in the Closed Basin and deliver it to the Rio Grande. ' The document stated that no estimate could be made of the probable cost and yield of the drain. This WaS due to limited information about the area. It said that construction of the drain would depend on findings on the quality and quantity of water to be salvaged. Costs, benefits, and the arrangements which would have to be made for the drain's maintenance were identified as other concerns. Further studies in the 1960's and early 70's of gravity drains proved that neither water quantity nor quality would be adequate if drains were used for salvage. Therefore, it was necessary to consider alternatives. The plan of development for the Closed Basin Division, an alternative to the gravity drain concept, is presented by the report of the Secretary of the Interior and reprinted as House Document No. 91-369, published in the 2nd session of the 9lst Congress. This plan of development was authorized by Public Law No. 92-514, approved on October 29, 1972. This act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Closed Basin Division of the San Luis Valley Project, Colorado. This salvaged water supply will assist in alleviating critical water shortages which have prevailed in the Rio Grande Basin for many years. In April, 1975, representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation and the Geological Survey met with Colorado State Engineer personnel in Denver to discuss the technical aspects of the Closed Basin Division. -3-