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<br />JUL-~(-~~ MUN 08:24 AM <br /> <br />t'H^ l'IU. <br /> <br />r. U4 <br /> <br />000764 <br /> <br />Now, I understand that this delay has been brought about because opponents of the project have <br />raised environmental and fiscal concerns. It was in recognition of these concerns and the threat of <br />lengthy and costly litigation that Lt. Governor Gail Schoettler and I brought all side of this issue <br />together in an effort to discuss possible compromises and consensus on alternatives. That process <br />was difficult. It took many hours of discussion, public input and months of negotiation. <br />However, we did succeed in narrowing the debate to two alternatives. One of the alternatives, <br />the so-called Animas-La Plata "Lite" proposal, involves the creation of a much smaller project at <br />less cost and less environmental impact. The other alternative, called the Animas River Citizens' <br />Coalition proposal, would set aside about $110 million for the Tribes to purchase land and water <br />rights in the area instead of building a reservoir. It also includes adding more storage capacity of <br />existing water projects in the region. <br /> <br />Last year, I publicly expressed my support ofthe Animas-La Plata Lite alternative. I did so for <br />the following reasons: <br /> <br />. It satisfies our obligations to the Tribes for water. Animas-La Plata Lite is the only alternative <br />that the Tribes will accept and will satisfy that obligation. <br /> <br />. It includes everyone-Tribes and non-Indians alike. We must have a solution for the entire <br />region, one that will not disrupt the long-established water development and economic <br />activities in this area. The 1986 Settlement Agreement was created and signed for just this <br />reason-to resolve everyone's rights in light of the Tribal claims. It is thus critically important <br />to include non-Indian water users. A-LP Lite accomplishes this goal. <br /> <br />. It is less costly and poses less environmental impacts than the original project. A-LP Lite <br />reduces project costs by about $400 million dollars. And, since it is a smaller project, it <br />avoids many of the environmental impacts that were of concern to the U.S. Environmental <br />Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. <br /> <br />. It avoids a complete re-negotiation of the 1986 Settlement Agreement. As I have said, the <br />Settlement Agreement was the result of hard fought compromises with the Tribes and other <br />water rights holders. Re-negotiating this agreement would take many years and at enormous <br />expense to taxpayers. Since the signing of the agreement in 1986, funds have been set aside <br />and expended to implemented its provisions-with the sole exception of the construction of <br />the Animas-La Plata project. The A-LP Lite alternative will complete the last commitment <br />made in the Settlement Agreement by building the A-LP Lite project. <br /> <br />. It avoids further delay. We have been at this for decades. We have negotiated and <br />compromised and studied this project extensively. It's time to get off the dime and get on <br />with satisfying our obligations to the Tribes. A-LP Lite will get us there. <br /> <br />H.R. 3478 adheres to these principles. As a result, passage of this bill will accomplish our goals <br />and I urge you to support it. <br /> <br />2 <br />