The Arkansas Valley Depends uopn More Water: Fryingpan Arkansas Project

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The Arkansas River basin in Colorado stretches 340 miles from the pinnacle of the Rocky Mountains to the Colo - rado- Kansas boundary. The headwater region is located in the Leadville district where Mt. Elbert rises 14,431 feet, highest point in Colorado. The 170 -mile wide basin drains 26,150 square miles of land as the river flows south and east through canyons and foothills onto the broad, rolling plains where relatively level, excellent farm- land forms the Arkansas Valley. The Eastern Slope area was a part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The balance of the basin was claimed by Texas following the war with Mexico, but these claims were relinquished in 1845 when Texas was annexed by the Union. The project area was visited by various Spanish explorers during 17601780. The first official exploration by the United States was made in 18061807 by Lt. Zebulon Pike. Later explorations were directed by Capt, John C. Fre- mont and Capt. John W, Gunnison. The first permanent settlements were established after discovery of gold in 1859 -1861. With the mining boom came immigrants who turned to agriculture to supply foodstuffs for the ex- panding population. Large cattle ranches, resulting from the cattle drives from Texas, began to appear: For more than 40 years residents of the Arkansas Valley dreamed of a major transmountain diversion of water from the Western Slope to augment existing supplies. Local attempts to finance such a gigantic undertaking were unsuccessful and government aid was sought. The Bureau of Reclamation undertook investigations and ultimately presented the Fryingpan- Arkansas Project plan, involving a minimum of Western Slope diversion from the Roaring Fork basin. The plan will not impair water supplies for the Western Slope: As a self - contained unit, construction of the Fry- - ingpon- Arkansas Project will not imply a commitment for expansion, extension, or enlargement, nor duplicate future development. The Fryingpan- Arkansas Project is a multiple purpose reclamation project for supplying the Upper Arkansas River Basin in Colorado with-, project water will be used for this purpose on 280,600 acres . . . present annual flood damage is estimated in excess of $700,000 and the water is lost. • . . . over 500 million kilowatt hours per year. will supply cities and towns in Arkansas Valley. . . . for water conservation and the economical and efficient use of irrigation water. . . , protection and improvement of fish and game resources. preservation of scenic values and improved recreational facilities.