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<br />We ask that your Board will continue to support and ask for advance <br />planning money for the West Divide. We are definitely an energy-related <br />project with the shale oil, coal and gas development in our county and <br />area. Just how fast all this development will come about is anybody's <br />guess. I will give you a few estimates recently put out by Colorado <br />West Council of Government in trying to get an idea of the estimated <br />population influx of water supply needs, etc., that will be the outcome <br />of the development of oil shale and the related growth. The influx has <br />begun and and additional 10,000 people are expected within the district, <br />with the towns now operating at or near 100 percent of their water <br />supply. <br /> <br />actual needs within the area, and to iron out any other contemplated <br />problems, or problems not anticipated at this time. We believe their <br />input will be very helpful. This panel includes some sixteen people <br />representing many agencies and occupations. The Bureau of Reclamation <br />states this is the first panel of this type organized in Western Colo- <br />rado. We truly hope this group will come up with many answers needed in I <br />the definite plan report. <br /> <br />Our agricultural lands still have the same water requirements. However, <br />with the present prices and the increase in markets for food supplies, <br />this commodity may have even a higher priority than it had before. <br /> <br />Mr. Chairman, that's about the gist of my statement. If you have any <br />questions, I will try to answer them. <br /> <br />Mr. Stapleton: Thank you. Are there any questions by the members of <br />the Board? <br /> <br />Mr. Starks: I would like to make an observation Carl made concerning <br />the a ternate plans being reviewed. From the very beginning of this <br />plan, we have had considerable difficulty with the proposed reservoir <br />site on Crystal River. There have been some strenuous objections from <br />residents of Crystal Valley, and on the part of environmental organiza- <br />tions. It is one of the most beautiful areas of Colorado. <br /> <br />The alternate plans now being considered include the possibility of <br />some off-channel reservoirs in lieu of the P1acita site~ <br /> <br />Mr. Bernk1au: I might add that the people in that area - we have two <br />people on the advisory panel, and I am very encouraged that they can <br />work out that problem, come up with an alternate plan for the project. <br /> <br />Mr. Stapleton: Thank you very much. <br /> <br />Mr. Sparks: The Dominguez was originally a part of the Uncompahgre <br />Improvement. The potential project near Grand Junction has a consider- <br />able potential for generation of peaking power. It is strongly supported <br />by the people of the Grand Junction area. At this time there is no <br />project sponsor per se. <br /> <br />Mr. Stapleton: I don't have anyone listed here on the Front Range. <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />-48- <br />