9653

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9653
• Author: Gilbert, S.
• Title: Powell's River, The Colorado - The Most Sought-after, Fought-over River in the History of North America.
• USFW Year: 1972.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

FinaJ.l.y the Supreme Court called a halt to Arizona's eight years of

shenanigans, but did not turn a deaf ear to the state's pleas. As a result
CaJ.ifornia was required to pq a fee on all water diverted. out of the
basin. In addition, CaJifornia I s vater and power allocations from the
federal pro ject were reduced, so that other basin states had a reserve

for future growth.

California did, however, go on to build Parker Dam on the Colorado
below Hoover Dam with state funds. Though CaJifornia was still required
to ~ a fee for water export, DO oDe could argue with the state's right
to control the water in the reservoir behinfl Parker as well as the elec-
tricity generated by the dam. (3,5)

Recent History

The states in the Lower Basin never have come to an agreement on water

allocation from the Colorado. Consequently, battles over water rights
and developnent still rage in courts and Congress, especially those

between Arizona and CaJifornia. The most recent dispute was over the

Central Arizona Project, which California successfully held up until

1968, more than 20 years.

The Upper Basin did finally come to an agreement on individual
state's water allowances..in 1948, when they set up the Upper Colorado

River Commission. The Commission then investigated, ruled upon, and

facilitated proposed developments in the Upper Colorado River. No
significant projects had taken place up until that time. (6)

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