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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />We would like to first orient ourselves very briefly concerning the <br />three projects that we will be 9iscussing. ,We will be discussing in <br />order., first, the Dolores project, which is in the vicinity 6f between <br />Cortez and Dove Creek, the lands in that area and also the lands for <br />Indian development down in the area of Towaoc. We will be discussing <br />the Animas-La Plata project, its main area of emphasis is between <br />Durango and Farmington and in the La Plata River area. We will be dis- <br />cussing the San Miguel project on the San Miguel River in the area <br />around Norwood, Naturita and that vicinity. <br /> <br />Just to quickly refresh our memory, all three of these projects were <br />authorized on September 30, 1968, as a part of the Colorado River <br />Project Act as participating projects. <br /> <br />We would first like to discuss the Dolores project this morning. This <br />is a map of the current plan for the Dolores project and we would like <br />to spend some time on its features if we can get ourselves oriented. <br />Mancos, Cortez, the highway in between (indicating). And, then, the <br />highway going out to Dove Creek. And, of course, the highway down <br />through the Four Corners area, Towaoc and down here in the corner. <br />(Following is a summary of the Dolores project as given by Mr. Cook): <br /> <br />DOLORES PROJECT <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />Historically, water shortages have been a way of life in southwestern <br />Colorado. The Dolores project will help to alleviate these shortages <br />by providing water for irrigation and municipal and industrial use, <br />thereby helping to fulfill needs in Montezuma and Dolores Counties. By <br />managing the flows of the Dolores River, the project will also enhance <br />fish and wildlife, provide flood control, and improve the summer and <br />fall riverflows. The project will, moreover, benefit the area without <br />altering its basic rural and agricultural nature. The National Water <br />Resources Congress (an independent nation-wide water lobby) for the <br />first time in its history has designated a project, the Dolores project, <br />as a matter of national urgency. <br /> <br />There are three project service areas: The Montezuma Valley area in the <br />center, the Dove Creek area in the northwest, and the Towaoc area on <br />the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation on the south. All of the areas <br />are predominantly rural and agriculturally oriented. The Dove Creek <br />area is dry farmed for pinto beans and wheat, while the Montezuma Valley <br />area is irrigated to produce livestock and livestock feeds. Irrigation <br />supplies are diverted from the Dolores River and distributed by the <br />Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company (MVIC). A small amount of irrigation <br />storage and regulation is provided by Narraguinnep Reservoir, Ground <br />Hog Reservoir and Totten Lake. A small amount of irrigation and live- <br />stock grazing on sparse native vegetation are the only agricultural <br />activities in the Towaoc area. <br /> <br />pro;ect Description <br />The Dolores River will be regulated by McPhee Reservoir, formed at the <br /> <br />-11- <br />