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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />The problems of bringing the states of the West together in "a <br /> <br />comprehensive study of the water resources of the 13 western states" are <br /> <br />simpler of definition than of solution, so the Governors have provided a <br /> <br />partial definition of what is expected: <br /> <br />"1. The feasibility of inter-regional water utilization. <br /> <br />"2. Alternative methods of meeting the needs of water- <br /> <br />deficient areas, now and in the future. <br /> <br />"3. An equitable means of maintaining the security of <br /> <br />the water rights of each state." <br /> <br />How do we seek a solution to this prescription? We do not ask of <br /> <br />you the solutions. Rather, we hope you will develop a blueprint and the <br /> <br />specifications with which our states may find the answers that best meet <br /> <br />the needs of the whole West. We need to determine the answers to a whole <br /> <br />series of questions about our water resources: <br /> <br />What is surplus, and how much? <br /> <br />Who is entitled to the lower cost water? Early development has <br /> <br />been and undoubtedly will continue to be less costly than later development. <br /> <br />Is it in the public interest to prorate water and distribute it <br /> <br />throughout the West on the basis of current need, or should proper safe- <br /> <br />guards be provided to protect areas of origin to enable them to meet future <br /> <br />requirements? It is relevant here to note that the Western Governors agreed <br /> <br />that "any proposal for transporting water from one region to another ought <br /> <br />to include recognition that needs of the supplying region are paramount to <br /> <br />those of any consuming region." <br /> <br />Is it in the public interest to transport water long distances at <br /> <br />~ great expense to grow crops that could be grown near the streams from which <br />~ <br />~ the water is diverted? <br />