BOARD00390

• Board Meeting Date: 8/6/1953
• Description: Minutes and Resolution
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Meeting

217

I wish to advise you that it was primarily through my
efforts, in the legislature, that the bill setting up
the funds to carry on the survey, you are now presently
on, was introduced and passed, and there is certain
information pertaining to the introducing of H.B.No.457
which I wish to convey to you and to the Colorado Water
Board.

I

I know now, and I knew at the time H.B.No.457 was
introduced, that any survey of Western Slope water
requirements both present and potential and of water
availability on the Western Slope must be thorough and
complete. Anything less than a complete study would
only be a waste of public funds, as it would not be the
basis for anoT permanent.settlement of the differences
of opinions we have in Colorado as to the diversion of
water out of the natural basin of the Colorado River and
its tributaries.

It was my idea in introducing H.B.457 that the governing
body on water matters in Colorado should not drag its feet
in obtaining the study, heretofore referred to but on the
other hand it was not my intention that this study should
be rushed.through to any certain deadline date that would
result in only a partial or inaccurate report.

The survey you are now conducting is one that has been
needed for a great number of years and if it is thorough
and complete beyond any doubt to the interested parties on
both slopes, the efforts and cost involved will be very
small in comparison to the benefits.

Of course, I cannot definitely promise what action the
legislature will take governing additional appropriations,
if needed to complete this survey, but I can promise you
that, if the first appropl:'iationo' is not sufficient to
carry out the intent of the bill, I will do all in my
power to get supplemental appropriations, but on the other
hand, I ,viII vigorously oppose the final presentation of
the water survey and study if it is not fully complete.

I would appreciate it if you would present to the Colorado
Water Conservation Board, at their next meeting, the
contents of this letter and advise me of the Board's reaction.

Very truly yours,

I

is/ Frank Meaker

cc:Mr.F.C.Merriell,Sec.
Colo.River Water Consel:'Vation Dist.Board
Grand Junction, Colorado