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<br />I <br />~'I <br /> <br />The project is located in the heart of the Four Corners Economic DeveJ.op- - <br />ment Region which was designated under the Publ.ic Works and Economic <br />Development Act because of high unemployment and depressed incomes. During <br />the 1920's there were about 25,000 acres of land Within the project area <br />that produced good crops. Marvel, the rural. trading community, at that <br />time had a thriving economy with about 15 businesses, including a bank. As <br />a result of the administration of the Colorado-New Mexico Interstate Compact <br />on the La plata River, the average irrigated area has now dwindled to less <br />than 5,900 acres and even that area receives only a meager water supply. <br />There is only one smaJ.l general store left in Marvel. The impact resulting <br />from prior Indian water rights would undoubtedly finish destroying this <br />area's economy eJ.so. <br /> <br />The Cities of Durango, Colorado and Aztec, Farmington and Shiprock, New <br />Mexico together With surrounding ruraJ. areas have been planning on obtaining <br />their future domestic and industrial. water supplies from the Animas-La Plata <br />Project. Should the project be substantially delayed or not buUt, these <br />communities would have to resort to less attl'sct.ive alte1'nates which in aome <br />cases would cause ha1uships. <br /> <br />~:,-I <br />.-' <br /> <br />, <br />if;, <br /> <br />!-:' <br />t.;-: <br /> <br />6 <br />