WSP02323

• File Number: 8443
• Description: Narrows Unit
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 11/3/1975
• Author: Regional Landowners
• Title: Abandonment of the Narrows Dam Project in Preference to a Total River Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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7a. Railroad Relocation problems

Since there is now a major railroad line within three to five miles

of the proposed relocation, the proposed line would constitute a duplica-

tion of facilities. There would be no added service to the area because

there are now no depots on either of these railroads along this section

of their lines. The duplication of facilities would only add to the cost

to the public.

We understand that the plan is to close many of the county roads

in the Wiggins area where the railroad would cross. This would make

access very difficult if not impossible for many of the farmers and resi-

dents of the area.

During this time of recession we can't help but question the advis-

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ability of indebting ourselves more for a project that is being planned

at the wrong site. Isn't the Bureau of Reclamation human enough to admit

that a mistake has been made, and even though the money has been allocated,

that it has been allocated for the wrong dam? In time of a money shortage
shouldn't the funds be spent where they will do the most good instead of

trying to save face qy going ahead with a project that is a mistake? Why

not build. the dam upstream or have a series of smaller dams on the Bijou,

Kiowa. Beaver and Wildcat streams to provide flood and erosion control?

We feel that a time when production of food is becoming so vital is not

the time to take good farm land out of production. Many of the families

involved with both the Narrows Dam and the railroad relocation have boys

growing up who are potential famers. Are we going to deny them land to

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start their own farms or to carry on the family farm? The productive land
that would be lost can never be replaced I