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<br />(3) New irrigation projects. Such projects can be <br />constructed only if the irrigator is responsible <br />for that which is within his ability to pay (usually <br />about 10 to 15 cents on the dollar at no interest). <br />The balance of construction costs must be paid <br />from other sources. Historically, Colorado has <br />relied upon federal reclamation projects to solve <br />this problem, with Congress financing the construction <br />costs an~ power revenues being used to reimburse <br />(without interest) the federal treasury for those <br />construction costs which are beyond the ability of <br />the irrigator to repay. Recent problems in obtaining <br />new construction starts are, of course, well known. <br />(4) Repair and rehabilitation of existing irrigation <br />systems (including improvements in the efficiency of <br />use). with the exception of a small loan program <br />administered by the Water and Power Resources. <br />Service, there are no programs to address these needs <br />except for the Board's construction fund. Given the <br />economics of farming, conventional financing is nearly <br />always beyond the reach of the irrigator. <br />(5) Flood control. Historically, Colorado has relied <br />upon federal flood control programs. Congressional <br />appropriations are, however, becoming much more <br />difficult to obtain. Furthermore, the kind of <br />protective measures needed in Colorado are frequently <br />found to be economically infeasible and therefore <br />not eligible as federal projects. Local taxation <br /> <br />-6- <br />