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<br />fo~~ tn a timely manner. <br /> <br />Another program which I would like to briefly mention is the <br />Atmospheric Water Resources Management Program. Colorado supports the <br />request for $375,000 in FY 81 to continue that portion of this research <br />and development program which applies to Colorado. <br /> <br />The increase in recent years of winter cloud seeding projects in <br />Colorado has heightened interest and awareness of the possibilities <br />afforded. As to be expected, along with interest in the potential of <br />the technology, concern has increased over scientific uncertainties, <br />over the fact that programs may benefit some at the expense of others, <br />and over conflicts of legal and governmental responsibility. Particu- <br />lar concern has been expressed for increased snow removal costs, effects <br />on wildlife, the downwind results, and compensation for adverse impacts. <br /> <br />Because Colorado will bear the major burden of weather modification <br />operations to augment the waters of the Colorado River Basin, the state <br />has a particular interest in research, not only in the development of <br />the technology but in procedures for mitigating impacts on affected <br />communities. If seeding does result in economic disruption, the extent <br />of the damage must be assessed and compensation procedures addressed. <br /> <br />Colorado supports the FY 81 request for further research on <br />improved seeding techniques, detailed assessment of effectiveness, and <br />the study of impacts in the Colorado River Basin. We emphasize, how- <br />ever, that it is research and demonstration which the state, for the <br />moment, supports with the expenditure of these funds. We believe that <br />many questions remain to be answered before operational programs can be <br />routinely implemented. <br /> <br />As a concluding statement, the State of Colorado remains adamant <br />in its opposition, as it was last year, to any appropriation or re- <br />allocation of funds for the purpose of preparing a comprehensive <br />environmental impact statement for the entire Colorado River Basin. If <br />the $80,000 requested in the President's budget for the initiation of <br />a Colorado River Basin Information Base Program is to serve that purpose, <br />then we must take exception to it and urge Congress not to fund that <br />program. <br /> <br />I appreciate the opportunity you have afforded me to impose upon <br />your busy schedule today. The fact that Colorado and other states have <br />had the opportunity to present a case before you should remind us all <br />that the legislative processes of our government are still the best <br />that have yet been devised. We thank you. <br /> <br />-4- <br />