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<br />STATEMENT OF F. F. "CHANO" MONTOYA, PRESIDENT <br />LA PLATA CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, NEW !-lEXICO <br />BEFORE THE <br />PUBLIC WORKS SUBCOMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS <br />Washington, D.C., May 22, 1973 <br /> <br />Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Committee: !-ly name is Chano Montoya and <br />I am President of the La Plata Conservancy District in New Mexico. I am <br />here to testify on behalf of the Animas-La Plata Project and to request <br />that your Subcommittee restore Advance Planning funds for this project <br />so that a Definite Plan Report can be cOlllpleted on schedule. This will <br />permit our District to proceed with the execution of a repayment contract <br />and the allocation of project water. <br /> <br />There are many needs for this project. It would make water available for <br />the development of Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian coal and land <br />resources. In so doing, it would solve critical social and economic <br />problems among our non-Indian neighbors that would otherwise result from <br />current water right proceedings in which the two Ute Tribes are establishing <br />their water rights under the Winters Doctrine in Southwestern Colorado. <br /> <br />:1 <br /> <br />The project would control erosion which now costs both the Government and <br />we as land owners, many millions of dollars in damages. It would open up <br />additional recreational opportunities in areas of great natural scenic <br />beauty. It would provide domestic and industrial water for our cities <br />and rural areas both in Colorado and New Mexico. These demands are increas-' <br />ing rapidly. <br /> <br />The project will make water available to our agricultural lands for the <br />production of badly needed non-surplus crops and livestock' products. <br />Presently we have severe shortages of irrigation water making our agri- <br />cui tural economy very hazardous. <br /> <br />Thank you for the opportunity to "'xpt'esa oUl'ueed.. and desires. <br /> <br />1~ <br />,,.'~ <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />~i <br /> <br />~:',,' <br /> <br />14 <br />