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I ,. . -- ~" ~~}) '. . ~~\';--~ j.... ~" ''''. ! . -~-'~-. ~ .. . . ~, '",;;1 '. ' .. a.M Artist's concept of Ridges Basin Dam and Reservoir. will convey water diverted from the river by the Southern Ute Diversion Dam for the irrigation of land in New Mexico. Sprinkler irrigation will be provided by pressure developed through gravity pipe laterals and, on one lateral system, a pumping plant. A total of 42,800 acres of full and supplemental service land will be irrigated under Phase 1. Preconstruct ion activities began in 1986 as a prelude to the first major construc- tion activity in 1988. Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed in approximately 12 years. Under Phase 2, water will be diverted from the La Plata River to the Dry Side Canal by the La Plata Diversion Dam during spring runoff. The Southern Ute Diversion Dam and Inlet Canal will convey water to Southern Ute Reservoir near the Colorado-New Mexico State line. This off- . stream reservoir will store water for the Southern :\ Ute Indian Tribe for coal resource development J and for New Mexico irrigation. New Mexico Irrigation Canal will carry water released from . .-. the reservoir to land in New Mexico. Under Phase 2. these additional features will be developed: approximately 2 miles of the Dry Side Canal and 4 pumping plants and pipe laterals to serve approximately 24.600 acres of land in Colorado and New MeXICO. Economic Base The project will affect the people and economy of La Plata County. Colorado, and San Juan County. New Mexico, by having beneficial influences on jODS. agriculture, and recreation. During the peak year of construction on Phase 1. the construction-related population influx into the project area will total approximately 1.200 people: construction workers and families. On completion of Phase 1, a total of approx- imately 110 jobs will be created in both agriculture and related businesses, including almost 40 new on-farm jobs in the two counties,