WSP11590

• File Number: 8021
• Description: Section D General Correspondence-Western States Water Counci
• State: CO
• Date: 5/3/1964
• Author: WestStatesWaterCounc
• Title: Resolution of Comprehensive Study of the Water Resources of the Western States
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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RESOLUTION

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WESTERN GOVERNORS' CONFERENCE, MAY 3-6, 1964
1. COMPREHENSIVE SruDY OF THE I~^TER RESOURCES OF THE HE STERN STATES

WHEREAS, The future growth, prosperity and general well-being of the
western states depend upon the availability of adequate quantities of water.
of such quality as to permit its use for myriad purposes, including, but
not limited to, irrigation, domestic and livestock, human consumption, in-
dustrial, navigation, mining, power development, fish and wildlife, recrea-
tion, and pollution abatement, all of which are recognized as beneficial
uses; and

l1HEREAS, Population, economic, and other forecasts indicate water supplies
may become increasingly short in arid and semi-arid regions of the West, and
may in the future be far from abundant, even in those a.eas where current
supplies may appear to be in excess of the needs of local users and con-
sumers; and

\lHEREAS, For the past 15 years, individual studies have considered the
feasibility of transporting water from areas of relatively high annulil precipi-
tation to areas where supplies are naturally deficient or have become so
because of heavy withdrawals and use; and

WHEREAS, There is need for an accurate and unbiased appraisal of present
and future water requirements of each region of the Hest, and for development
of a comprehensive plan for equitably meeting such needs; and

HHEREAS, Any proposal for transporting water from one region to another
ought to include recognition that needs of the supplying region are paramount
to those of any consuming region;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By the Western Governors' Conference that
it recommends that a comprehensive study of the water resources of the 13
western states be undertaken jointly by the states through the Council of State
Governments and its affiliates, the several states agreeing to cooperate in
every appropriate manner toward early completion of the study; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That such study shall give particular attention

to:

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1. The feasibility of inter-regional water utilization.
2. Alternative methods of meeting the needs of water-deficient areas,
now and in the future.
3. An equitable means of maintaining the security of the water
rights of each state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED By the Western Governors' Conference that there be:

1. Early authorization by the Congress of the United States of
legislation to permit comprehensive investigation of water
resources and requirements throughout the I.lest, for the pur-
pose of developing an integrated plan of physical works to
meet present and anticipated needs.

2. Adoption of an underlying philosophy for regional development
that will assure areas and states of origin which export waters
to areas of deficiency full legal and economic protection of
their future development rights; and

BE IT FURTHER R~SOLVED, That implementation of this resolution should
in no way defer or delay authorization or construction of any projects now
before Congress for either authorization or appropriation.