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<br />MR. STAPLETON: Any COmments from the Board? Mr. Fetcher. <br /> <br />MR. FETCHER: Larry, isn't part of the problem the method that they <br />figure the benefits, also? <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />MR. SPARKS: Yes, the methods keep changing; and they keep trying to <br />stick us with an illegal discount rate, which Congress has never autho- <br />rized. It is the methodology that is now used to figure these benefit- <br />cost ratios that has caused us the grief. But there are ways that we <br />can increase the benefits. <br /> <br />If the environmentalists want transmountain diversions out of the <br />Little Snake River to Cheyenne, we may go that way in order to have a <br />justifiable project. We can make the Savery-Pot Hook right off by <br />going along with Cheyenne's plan to divert water. Wyoming would like <br />the water for coal development. The alternatives are not nearly as <br />attractive as what we had planned initially. <br /> <br />MR. STAPLETON: Any other conunents from Members of the Board? <br /> <br />MR. JACKSON: One 'slight question. <br /> <br />Larry, where is Senator Hart? Is he as favorable as Senator Haskell? <br /> <br />MR. SPARKS: The Senator is not running this year. (Laughter.) I know <br />that Senator Hart is a very strong supporter of the Narrows Project <br />and some others. We and Senator Haskell are quite well coordinated in <br />their efforts. Senator Haskell is the senior senator and will be making <br />the major effort in the Senate. <br /> <br />MR. STAPLETON: Any members of our audience who have comments or <br />suggestions? <br /> <br />MR. ROLAND FISCHER: Mr. Chairman, my own conversations with the staffs <br />of the delegation indicate that strong local support is very desirable <br />fOr both the Fruitland-Mesa and Savery-Pot Hook Projects. On the <br />Fruitland-Mesa, we have at this juncture letters from three Western <br />Colorado towns expressing an interest in the municipal water. We think <br />that will be good for the record on the appropriations hearings. On <br />the Savery-Pot Hook Project, I think Larry Sparks has pointed out one <br />of the alternatives. We do have, we think, concurrence with Senator <br />Hart's staff on the approach we are presently taking on Fruitland and <br />Savery, and it is a rather open-minded approach. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />However, I think when it comes down to it, after this year, after FY <br />1979 studies, that we are probably going to have to come .up with much <br />improved benefit-cost ratios; or we might find ourselves in the same <br />posture again, say, in fiscal year 1980, or whatever year the election <br />comes up in. And this is, I think, a very serious. -problem as to how <br />Colorado can put its Compact allocated share of the river to use. And, <br />while we have presently ~erbal indications of support, I think we are <br />going to have to do everything we can to help the Congressional Delega- <br />tion keep their implied promise. <br /> <br />-5- <br />