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<br />. <br /> <br />~. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />0671 <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />In summary, the following factors justify approval and fu~ding <br />for the Tribal Plan: <br /> <br />1. The Tribe's continued support of federal water projects <br />helped get the Dolores River Project funded initially; <br /> <br />2, The U,S. Government will benefit from $9.6 million in cost <br />savings by combining the Tribe's irrigation water with <br />Montezuma Valley Irrigation Water in the Combined Highline/ <br />Rocky Ford Canal; <br /> <br />3. The Combined Highline/Rocky Ford Canal will allow farmers <br />in the McElmo Salinity Unit to implement substantial <br />salinity control practices within the unit which will <br />accomplish the objectives of the Salinity Control Legislation; <br /> <br />4. The Plan sets the stage for the resolution of pending <br />"Winters Rights" claims held by the Tribe on Mancos and <br />La Plata Rivers. Resolution to occur once Animas/La Plata <br />is constructed. <br /> <br />5. The restricted development funds allow the Tribe a <br />funding mechanism to meet the short and long-term <br />capitalization needs of the Tribe with respect to <br />agricultural, municipal, industrial, and other community <br />water resource needs. In addition, the plan supports tribal <br />self-determination and responsiblity to the tribal governing <br />body. This will allow the Tribe the flexibility to develop <br />lands as the tribal government's capacity and priorities <br />dictate, thus decreasing .bureaucratic.waste.and mismanagement,. <br /> <br />Legal review of existing legislation, Solicitor's Opinions, and <br />our recent meeting with Reclamation's National Office staff indicates <br />that the Secretary of the Interior does not have the authority to <br />resolve this situation and grant the Tribe's request. Based upon these <br />factors, a legislative settlement appears to be the most appropriate <br />method to achieve resolution, To that end, this briefing has been <br />prepared for you. <br /> <br />-6- <br />