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ll-Ub-Yl Uj:UbPM FROM GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO 2115 P005 . .......... , ............................... FROM: SLGO/NEJPf'/SAQE REMINGTON F'HI>lE NO. : 970 563 4487 Nev. 0S 1997 11:58AM P2 Fonner Tribal Council member and SUGO Elder, Guy PiDnecoo.e, Jr. .aid, "We are very pleased that tile letter from the Governor's office and EPA, dearly establish.. that the eUlTeot situatioD il A ehoh:e between two political alternatives." "For SUCO", Plnnecoose said. "it means the NEPA prGttss must sstldY the requirements of the law and that it mllst Involve all affected parties. It meaas the EPA and the Burellll of Rec:lllJIllItlon must fully e:lplo" the Ute Legacy Fund proposal as a legitimate alternative to tbe ALP. Thl. a110 means that they have an oblilation to educate aDd Inform the tribal membership of both alternative proposals." Ervin Taylor, SUGO Elder and fOrDIer Tribal Council member said, "Decision maken in fedenal agencies wbo are concerned about the Ute people are now free to e:xplol'e and expand on creative ideas for reaolving this problem ina way tlult is fair to tbe Ute people." "We are now rid of the environmental and financial burdens of the irrigation system" Taylor .aid, "aDd the nOD-Indian earpetbaeuers who have been banging on to this project with tbe hope that they will get .ometlUna for nothincl" "In our viewpoint., and most importantly, with tbe coneJuslon of the Romer SchoettleI' process". said Ray C. Fro.t. "it sets tbe stage that the nut time any deci.iol1 is made about Ute Indian water rights, it will Dot be made in darkness by a few Individuals who are largely influenced by non-Indian InterN"," Fl'ost continued. "This decision is one that the Ute people should be Allowed to DUlke since it fundamentally impacts every aspect of who the Utes are &5 a people and tribe. One of the way. tbis caD be accomplished II to conduct a tribAl education proanm about the alternatives for the Ute people followed by a vote." Tribal Elder AnnabeJle Eagle said of the Romer/Schoettler procell, "The Ule peCIple were affected by tbe proeess and found our common voice. The RomerlSehoettleJ' process maket it possible for ErA to fully Invatigate and analyze the merits of the Ute Legacy Land and Water Fuad alternative proposal. T.here Is .tUl much work that EPA needs to acc:omplilllllO that an opportnnity !:lls.. for tribal mllmben to vote about whleb alternative is bett for them." . 30.