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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I got a call from Bruce McAfee of the Montezuma Ditch Valley Company <br />in Cortez asking me if I wouldn't appear today and testify on behalf <br />of the Dolores project. I burned a little midnight oil trying to <br />put a few thoughts together. <br /> <br />The economic impact of the Dolores project will be a result of essen- <br />tially two effects - construction of the project facilities to store <br />and deliver project water and to increase sales for crops and live- <br />stock, expanded businesses and employment resulting from the use of <br />the project waters. Maintenance at the present levels and future <br />growth of the area's economy is dependent on agriculture, minerals, <br />timber resources, tourist trade and recreation. Increased production <br />from the irrigable land area is dependent on a firm water supply. <br />About 47% of the irrigable area now has a good water supply and the <br />remaining area produces only a small part of its full potential. <br />Development of other resources, including gas, oil, coal and timber <br />also depend on a firm supply of water being available. The objec- <br />tives of the Dolores project in the plan presented in the authorizing <br />report provided for 6,100 acre-feet of municipal and industrial water <br />for the communities of Cortez and Dove Creek. Other immediate and <br />future municipalities and industrial water needs can be met by the <br />project. <br /> <br />The development of the Indian resources, including agricultural, <br />recreation, fish and wildlife potentials is included. The project <br />will diversify uses of approximately 30,840 acres of presently dry <br />farm beans, wheatland and principally a livestock and livestock feed <br />economy, including beef and dairy products. Supplemental water will <br />be provided for 28,660 acres of land presently experiencing an <br />insufficient water supply. Facilities are planned for the McPhee <br />Reservoir and several small reservoirs to provide a variety of rec- <br />reational opportunities. The sm,ll lakes formed within the agri- <br />cultural area will provide unique local water-oriented recreational <br />opportunities. <br /> <br />Predictable white river boating will allow a greater number of boating <br />participants by forecasting releases from the McPhee Reservoir. <br /> <br />Not only would the Dolores project develop waters for the Dolores <br />River for irrigation, but would provide beneficial water quality aid <br />in area development. Supplemental water supplies would be made <br />available to the Montezuma Valley area and to the central portion of <br />the project area. Full irrigation supplies would be provided to the <br />Dove Creek area in the northwest and to the Towaoc area to the south. <br /> <br />-14- <br />