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<br />, <br /> <br />l"o.-; 1 ('. <br />IU'! V. <br /> <br />and is designed to solve many of the problems with Indian <br />reservations in Colorado. Both the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain <br />Ute tribes have substantial amounts of land which would be served <br />by the Animas-La Plata project. The project also is designed to <br />solve vexatious problems created by pending litigation con- <br />cerning Indian water rights. An additional component of the <br />project is to serve nonIndian populations in Colorado and New <br />Mexico, primarily for agricultural and municipal purposes. <br /> <br />Unfortunately, the evaluations of this project have been <br />caught up in continuing and long-standing delays. At the time <br />the project was authorized, it was represented to Congress that <br />all preconstruction planning could be completed in three years. <br />Ten years later, the definite plan report and environmental impact <br />statements have yet to be completed. However, Colorado has now <br />been advised by the Bureau of Reclamation that such planning will <br />be completed before January 1, 1979, and that the project has a <br />construction capability to the extent of $500,000 during FY 1979. <br /> <br />It is the position of the state that the definite plan <br />report and environmental impact statement must be completed <br />expeditiously without further delays. Moreover, if the Bureau <br />proceeds on schedule, the state and federal governments will be <br />able to evaluate the merits of this project well before the end <br />of FY 1979 and make recommendations as to whether construction <br />should proceed. <br /> <br />The genesis for this project was the Colorado River Storage <br />Project Act of 1956. By that act, the Animas-La Plata project <br />was designated as a potential participating reclamation project, <br />subject to a finding of feasibility and specific authorization by <br />the Congress. Both of these latter events have occurred. Forty- <br />six percent of the power revenues derived from the Colorado River <br />Storage Project were specifically and exclusively dedicated to <br />Colorado to assist in the repayment of those project features <br />attributable to irrigation. The necessary revenues will accrue <br />to Colorado during the repayment period for the Animas-La Plata <br />project. If the law is to be followed, these revenues cannot be <br />used for any purpose other than to assist in the repayment of <br />Colorado reclamation projects. We simply ask that a portion of <br />these revenues be dedicated to the Animas-La Plata project as <br />Congress has spcifical1y directed if construction proceeds as <br />planned. ' <br /> <br />4. Fruitland Mesa and Savery-Pot Hook projects. These two projects <br />were authorized in 1964, also as participating units of the <br /> <br />-4- <br />