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40. MR. JAMES GALL: (Mayor of Paonia). He stated that the Town Council of paonia feels there will be detrimental, irreparable changes suffered in the Gunnison system, should the permit be granted. Concerns include the need for power, the division of profit between Montrose Partners and the irrigators, wetlands mitigation, eagle populations below Delta, and the Uncompahgre bank stabilization plan which are detailed only for a minority of the distance. Tourism is very important in Delta County, in the last 7 years we have seen 1,000 mining jobs lost in our immediate area. The AB Lateral Project endangers the wild and scenic prospects, as well as the National Park candidacy. We see no rhyme or reason in being forced to loan the major part of our river to someone, somewhere else, and then have them give it to still others, when they are finished with it. The Town of paonia feels the project is ill advised and should be denied. RESPONSE: The concerns are recognized. Please see the index to the comments and responses for additional information on the individual concerns expressed. 41. MR. ROGER BLOOGB: The Uncompahgre Project has been critically important to development of the Uncompahgre Valley. We have a valley here that contains several thousand people dependent on the Uncompahgre Project. I think we need to look at this AB Lateral Project in a calm and rational light. For the most part, I can see no harm in it. This valley needs every bit of economic development it can possibly get. Our agricul- turalists need every help they can get, in order to put their produce out, and I believe if we stick together, as some of the speakers have commented, instead of being polarized, we can get the jOb done. RESPONSE: None was necessary. 42. MR. BERNARD HEID~: I feel there are many potentially damaging economic effects in Delta County. The DEIS does not reflect the true value of rafting and recreation. During dry years, alternative C and E produce unacceptable flows for rafting and fishing. This is directly caused by the AB Lateral. It seems like to go ahead with the project, especially in the dry years, will compromise the Gunnison being considered wild and scenic and this would be a detriment to Delta County. To accept any alternative other than A would take a chance on killing a great tourism possibility for Delta County. The DEIS does not adequately address streambank erosion. Banks need constant protection and maintenance, costs may be higher than projected. Unless flows in the Gunnison River can be maintained at the 500 to 600 ft3/s range, alternative A is the only acceptable one for most of Delta County. P-29