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<br /> <br />is listed as $1,631,000. In fact, for the year 1977, (and <br />this was virtually true for the year 1976 also) there will be <br />little more than just marginal grazing produced on the land <br />within the Fruitland Mesa Project area. If 18,250 acres were <br />to receive adequate irrigation and be planted only to hay, <br />this land could produce appro~imately 5 tons per acre currently <br />valued at $60 per ton over costs of production. In addition, <br />fall grazing would also become available and would increase this <br />figure to over $6,000,000. Utilizing this realistic appraisal <br />of the agricultural production and use, the figures as provided <br />by the Bureau of Reclamation as to the cost of construction, <br />would result in a cost benefit ratio well exceeding parity. <br />It has been noted that the irrigation investment <br />per acre is $4,650. of which only $208. will be repaid by <br />the irrigators. However, as pointed out earlier in this state- <br />ment, all reimbursable costs of the project will be repaid either <br />directly by the farmers, or by revenues derived from the sales <br />of hydroelectric power and water under the Colorado River Storage <br />Act, as directed by the Congress. <br /> <br />CONCLUSION <br /> <br />~he Fruitland Mesa project has received the unqualified <br />support of all local agencies and also has received the un- <br />qualified endorsement of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, <br />the Colorado Governor's Office and the Colorado State Legislature. <br /> <br />-4- <br />