Laserfiche WebLink
<br />000577 <br /> <br />West Divide Project (cont'd) <br /> <br />Indian Interests <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />Depressed Area <br /> <br />The project service area is not located in any designated depressed area. <br />It borders upon the Four Corners Economic Development Region. Agriculture, <br />the principal industry at the present time, is dependent upon irrigation <br />as rainfall is inadequate for growing crops on a majority of the project <br />lands. Reclamation studies indicate that the presently irrigated land <br />has had a water shortage ,of 55 percent of an ideal requirement. The <br />effect of the lack of an adequate irrigation supply has been aggravated <br />by recent reductions in public grazing privileges for the area's farmers <br />and ranchers. <br /> <br />Environmental Impact <br /> <br />Advance plans are being considered for an alternative storage site to re- <br />place Placita Reservoir located on Crystal River, which would reduce the <br />environmental impact of this main feature of the West Divide Project. <br />Plans are being considered also to reduce the lmpact of irrigation of <br />new lands by reducing such acreage and using the water for other purposes. <br />Before selection of the final plan, all possible alternatives will be <br />studied as to their effect on the environment. <br /> <br />Political Considerations <br /> <br />L <br /> <br />This project will supply water for development of oil shale and other <br />fuel sources to meet the imminent energy needs of the area and region. <br />Municipal and domestic water supply needs are growing in the area which <br />can be met by this project and from other sources. <br /> <br />The project interests have co~tributed funds to aid in accelerating the <br />advance planning which is being held up by executive decisions which <br />are of much concern to local and State interests. During advance plan- <br />ning there will be careful consideration of plan changes to better meet <br />environmental goals of this area. <br /> <br />This project is being included as an integral part of the Colorado <br />State Water Plan which is now being formulated. <br /> <br />Timing of the advance planning and construction of West Divide, along <br />with the other authorized western Colorado projects and the Central <br />Arizona Project. as directed by Congress and President in P.L. 90-537 <br />now is, and will be, a main political consideration. <br /> <br />Project Administration and Repayment Contracts <br /> <br />The West Divide Water Conservancy District was formed April 17, 1964, by <br />local residents as an instrument for project sponsorship, administration. <br />and repayment. <br /> <br />7 <br />