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<br /> <br />.. " <br /> <br />, " <br /> <br />, , ./~~ <br />construction contnlc'i,t,'ifor the Gould Canal siphons. <br /> <br />,,_'f):">. <br />art;'\?nt to $2,180,853. <br /> <br />Local Interest <br /> <br />State and local interests are actively encouraging construction of <br />the project. , The Fruitland Mesa Water Conservancy District was organized <br />in 1960 to he the administrative and contractual agency for the recla- <br />mation features of the project. The State of Colorado, through the <br />Colorado Hater Conservation Board, supplied'$14,000 to the Bureau of <br />Reclamation ,to aid in the investigations. The Colorado .River Hater <br />Conservation District has assisted in the investigations and has secured <br />the necessary water. rights for the project. <br /> <br />Conclusions and Recommendations <br /> <br />This, section of Colorado is semi-arid and is presently undergoing <br />a general decline in population due to the undependable and inadequate <br />water supply (approximately 25% of optimum through existing facilities <br />over the past 25 years). The area has been designated a depressed area <br />under the Public Horks and Economic Development Act of 1965. <br /> <br />area, <br />base. <br />which <br /> <br />Completion of the project'would be of great economic value to the <br />including an incre'ase of over 2 million dollars to the local tax <br />All irrigated crops "lOuld be utilized for livestock production, <br />at the present time could be of significant national benefit. <br /> <br />The rec'reational benefits derived from local fisheries along the <br />streams and at Gould ,and Soap Park Res'ervoirs would serve to take <br />local pressure away from the Curecanti National Recreation Area and <br />provide additional facilities for the overflow from Curecanti and BlaCk <br />Canyon of the Gunnison area. <br /> <br />Approximately $3,236,000 of FY 1976 funds are now available to <br />initiate construction. A repayment contract has been executed. A small <br />construction start has been made through the replacement of the Gould <br />siphons. It is recommended that the Governor and the members of Colorado's, <br />congressional delegation be reques ted fo ,support the former President 1 s <br />proposed budgetary item of $7,702,000 to continue project construction <br />duringFY 19.78. <br /> <br />3 <br />