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. -- ~ :;;.~~~ -'';'-7_''''_ C,C .'~~;;L..:'.' ., -2- request of some of the Commissioners in these counties and cities along the river, to attempt to take cane of the high vreter. This has resulted in our sevora loss. This is covered in our brief. After the embargo that I spoke of ,vas imposed, the irrigated area very severely depreciated. There wero acres and acres of highly developed and improved lands that were wasted away because they had no water supply for irrigation. I believe before you have finished your investigation you will find our request is entirely justifiable bocause there is a multiple use for this project. We think we have shown that on the basis of flood control alone, as well as the benefits to be derived incident to the regulation of the river which would probably equal or exceed the benefits from flood control. That area to be benefitted would probably aggregate 90,000 aores. In 1925 the em- bargo referred to was lifted and in 1929 a temporary compact entored into between the States of Colorado, New Mexioo and Texas which ,vas approvod by the Government, but in 1935 the President issued an edict forbidding any further consideration by federal agencies of petitions for f\Ulds to provide for construction of reservoirs on this river above. Fort Quitman, Texas, unless and until approved by the National Resources Committee. Naturally this worked a hardship on the people of C~lorado and finally the National Resources Committoe secured the cooperation of the States involved and various federal'agencies and arranged for a joint investigation, completed in 1937. which was very comprehensive, and which report revealed that possibly the people in the Rio Grande valleys in Colorado had been needlessly hindered in the development and regulation of the water supply. We believe you will find that our brief sets forth the economic justi- fication for the improvements requested and the benefits to be derived from such improvements. (Brief attached and marked Exhibit 2.) I will ask Judge Stone, vmo is Chairman of tho Colorado Water Conservation Board, and who has helped us very much in this matter and will cooperate in every way he can, to present a brief which he has prepared. Mr. Clifford H. Stone, CO\Ulse1 for Colorado Water Conservation Board: I havo a prepared statement which I would like to offer in evidence at this hearing. This statement is a resume and is very brief and in order that those present may be advised of its contents I will read it. (Read statement, attached hereto and marked Exhibit 3.) Col. Besson: Thank you~ Mr. Corlett: We have a map here on the wall of the San Luis Valley, prepared by Mr. Jones. The red shows the flooded area. (Colonel Besson and Mr. Corlett examined the map in question.) Mr. Tipton has prepared a map showing that particular area and he has the original tracings. Rohas no prints. It is not included in his report. but you will get six copies. I would like to present Mr. Tipton's report at this time and then wi thdraw it in order that Mr. Tipton may complete it. after which he will send it in to you. (Report marked Exhibit 4.) Mr. Corlett: I would like to call on Mr. Hinder1ider, State Engineer of Colorado, having in charge the water administration for the State of Colorado, and having kept that position for about 15 years. Mr. Hinderlider will now address you.