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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />are presently dry farmed and will provide water for development of our <br />coal and recreational resources. The development contemplated by these <br />projects on our semi-arid lands will provide a new economic basis upon <br />which the Indian Tribes can grow, provide employment for our people and <br />give us a greater degree of self-sufficiency for which we strive. <br /> <br />The federal court action which is proceeding towards the adjudication <br />of water rights owned by the Indians is of little comfort to the Southern <br />Ute and Ute Mountain Indian Tribes. We have an opportunity through the <br />construction of the Animas-La Plata and Dolores projects to put to <br />beneficial use water which is desperately needed. The water situation <br />in Southwestern Colorado presents to the Congress and the executive <br />branch of government a unique opportunity to fulfill their obligations <br />to the Indian people and, at the same time, resolve a conflict between <br />Indian claims and non-Indian water claims by completion of construction <br />of the two projects which, over the years, have received the strong and <br />continuous support of not only the Indian people in our area, but the <br />non-Indian people as well. <br /> <br />The Ute people are not satisfied with the water resource development <br />which has taken place in Southwestern Colorado. The Ute people wish to <br />control their future and the utilization of their natural resources. <br />In order to do so we recognize we must control our water supply. That <br />is why we are again here today urging the support of this Board for <br />the appropriation of the funds necessary to complete the advance planning <br />on the Animas-La Plata and the appropriation of funds necessary to <br />initiate construction of the Dolores Project. <br /> <br />The Indian people of Southwestern Colorado want something more than a <br />court decree which says they are entitled to water, but which water <br />cannot be used unless the Indian people have the physical facilities <br />available to put the water to use. The Indian people were greatly <br />impressed by the recent action of the Water Resources Congress in <br />designating the Dolores Project as a project of national urgency. It <br />seems clear that, using these same standards, that organization will <br />again next year rightfully follow up with such a designation for the <br />Animas-La Plata Project. The con~truction of the projects will accomplish <br />our goal to provide a sound economic base for our people. It is a worth- <br />while goal and we ask that you join with us once again to reaffirm a <br />policy which recognizes that only through the cooperation of all can we <br />utilize our natural resources to the greatest good. <br /> <br />With that, thank you, gentlemen. <br /> <br />Mr. Kroeger: Mr. Chairman, many of you will recall several years ago <br />the Chairman of the Ute Mountain Tribe, Jack House, came here to testify <br />through an interpreter, seeking authorization of the five Colorado <br />projects, as far as the Colorado River Basin plan. <br /> <br />I wanted to take special notice this morning that Thomas House, his son, <br />is here with us, and also his grandson is here still working for the <br />Dolores Project. To make a statement on the total project and the <br />situation as it involves the Indians, Mr. Lloyd Doerfer of the Mancos <br /> <br />-41- <br />