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~ Only when the intern.ational situation dears up will we be able to report a great amount of progress in civil-Works activities. However, even now some progress is being. made slowly, but surely. . Much is being done by the people and their representatives to clarify water policies, but much remains to be done. The work of your organiza- tion will continue to be helpful. Such work is essential in facilitating and expediting construction of comprehensive, worthwhile projects. Optimum development of water resources depends on the impetus given by organizations such as yours. The opportunity to meet with you, to heal' the discussion of Colorado River prOblems, and to learn your opiniOns on these matters is appreciated. Thank you for inviting us. * * * * * * * * * PAST ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PROGRAM OF THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION IN THE COLORADO RIVER BASIN Regional Director E. G. Nielsen ~ Largest potential Bureau project in the Upper Basin is the Colorado River Storage Project, which contemplates construction of 10 major dams on the Colorado River and main tributaries, and would provide river regulation, power production and irrigation. Smaller irrigation projects would participate in the benefits through power revenue used to assist in paying their costs. A report on the Project was submitted by the Secretary of the Interior to the President on December 4, 1952. On January 27, 1953, Budget Director Dodge asked the new Secretary to review it to determine whether it conforms to his program and whether modifications or revisions should be made. Recommendations of Secretary McKay are expected to be submitted to the, President through the Bureau of the Budget this month. Hearings under bills introduced in the 83rd Cortgress, 1 st Session are scheduled by the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs for Janliary 18, 1954. ~. i A report on the Gooseberry Project, Utah was completed January 1953. It recommended authorization as a "participating project" with repayment assistance from power revenues of the Colorado River Storage Project. The report has not been sent to the President and the Bureau of the Budget. It is expected that Utah will request inclusion of the project in the initial participating projects to be considered by Congress. The Collbran Project, Colorado, was authorized July 3, 1952, and a definite plan report was completed September 1952. Preliminary work has been done to establish a conservancy district to contract for repayment of costs. Construction will commence when funds are appropriated by Congress and contracts made for disposal of project water a:nd power. " -3-