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<br />0"1'1 r; "/ <br />\.j ~ fl.. J .: <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Let me say again that the first and most important task of the Bureau of <br />Reclamation is the irrigation of arid landso We do not propose to build any down- <br />stream dams or hydroelectric plants which would jeopardize upstream consumptive use <br />of the water. That is why 1018 are constantly seeking upstream sites for storage <br />reservoirs, where the water can be used for downstream irrigation purposes when it <br /> <br />is released from the reservoir. <br /> <br />However, in the proposed Pleasant Valley and Mountain Sheep units, we have <br />developed a project plan which will not jeopardize future upstream irrigation <br /> <br />development. At the eame time, it will provide much needed financial assistance <br />for irrigation expansion in the years and decades ahead as Idaho continues to grow <br />and the national demand for its agricultural products spirals upward. <br />Every effort is being made to get this project before Congress for considera- <br />tion this session. We are hopeful that the canments by the States will be available <br /> <br />by the time Congress is ready to consider it. <br /> <br />Up to the present time, I have discussed what the plans of the Bureau of Recla- <br />mation are and how we can help you in future utilization of your water resources <br /> <br />and enlargement of the irrigated acreage in the State. ihere is another important <br /> <br />}i1ase which dates back to the early history of Federal participation in reclamation <br />developllElnt. <br /> <br />I am sure many of you have heard Secretary of the Interior McKay and other <br />administration leaders discuss the importance of partnership and local leadership <br />in water resources developnent. This program tonight is a fine example of how <br />local leadership functions.' You want to get something done, and you are getting <br />together to explore the best ways of accomplishing it. <br /> <br />10 <br />