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J . Appendix F THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEF.N THE GARRISON DIVERSION CONSERVANCY DISTRICT AND THE BUREAU OF RECLA~\TION REGARDIKG CONSTRUCTION OF THE GARRISON DIVERSION UNIT By Roy A. Holand, Chairman, Board of Directors Garrison Diversion Conservancy District It is a pleasure for me to have the opportunity of appearing before your committee again. Since the time of organizing the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District in 1955, I have on two previous occasions had the privilege of discussing this program with you. Having sat in on other meetings of your committee, including your last session at Lincoln, I have developed a high appreciation of your significant and interest- ing discussions, as well as for the poignant questions following most presentations. We are glad to report to you today that significant progress has been made in the past two years in the affairs of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. While we are apparently far away from actual construction, we are pleased to find and to be able to report to you that the public interest is very high and that the demandfor irrigation among the project farmers has grown t.remendously .and is increasing steadily. There are a number of reasons for this increasing interest, including a better understanding of irrigation and an awareness of the water users responsibilities for the project development and operations. A rather severe drouth in much of North Dakota last year no doubt stimulated interest in this program. Then too, .there is a growing awareness that the water supply of the Missouri River is not inexhaus- tible, and that prompt development of the project is essential. North Dakotans are looking forward to the early construction of this project so that its benefits may accrue to the state and nation. The topic of Bruce Johnson's and my discussion today "The Relationship Between the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and the Bureau of Reclamation Regarding Construction of the Garrison Diversion Unit" covers a wide field of activity. Because of time limitations, we will be able to touch upon only some of the high points, but we will be happy to answer any questions at the close our our presentations. I am sure that there is a general knowledge in this group about the plan for development of the Garrison Diversion Unit. Basically, it. provides for the development of two of North Dakotas most basic natural. resources - our soil and water. The diversion of Missouri River water into central and eastern North Dakota for multiple beneficial purposes has been advocated by North Dakotans for many years going back to Territorial Days. The proposal for the diversion of the Missouri .River (112th Meeting of the Missouri Basin Inter-Agency Committee, Grand Forks, North Dakota, April 20, 1960.) F-l T