PROJ00159

• Contract/PO #: C153305
• Contractor Name: Dolores Water Conservancy District
• Water District: 0
• County: Dolores
• Bill Number: XB 99-999
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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Exploration for and development of the area's energy r.aources (coal, uranium,

carbon dioxide, oil and gas) could have a greater and more lasting effect on popu-

lation growth than did the uranium and oil boom of the 1950's. Winter tourism and

the permanent work force, for that matter, could be significantly affected by the

proposed Telluride Ski Area expansion. And, of course, the Dolores River Project

itself is expected to influence the population of the Montelores area by providing

the water for irrigation and a growing population.

Basis for Projections

During the initial stages of this feasibility study, the Board of Directors of

the Dolores Water Conservancy District determined that population design data

would be derived from the evaluation of previously conducted studies. Some of

the earlier forecasts which have been made are summarized in Table 4-3. All

available population studies and projections were utilized, with primary emphasis

being given to the most recent projections prepared by the Montezuma County

Planning Office. The graph in Fig. 4-1 shows population projections for Cortez

and Montezuma Counties, including those selected for project design.

Assuming that the relative population distribution trends remain consistent, the

population of the Dove Creek Division inside the Dolores Water Conservancy District

is almost identical to that of the Mancos Division of Montezuma County which is

not a part of the Dolores Water Conservancy District. This, therefore, provides

another check on population projectiona, since the estimate for Montezuma County

in total should be the same as the projection for the portions of Montezuma County

and Dolores County which are within the Dolores Water Conservancy District. This

is helpful because a great deal of current population study information is available

for Montezuma County includlng the recently completed 1978 preliminary census.

The status of two specific communities is uncertain regarding their participation

in the district project. The Summit Ridge area is currently not included in the

district population projections which were done for the purposes of design and

cost estimating. The inclusion of Sumait Ridge at a future date however, should not

adversely affect the accuracy of the present planning atudy since anticipated con-

sumption in the aervice area will conatitute less than 3% of the total demand of

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