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<br />. , <br /> <br />~ . <br /> <br />000640 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Western water law has evolved over a century of legislation <br />and litigation. Each water right has an interrelated influence <br />on the other rights on a stream. Transfer of rights, without the <br />safeguards imposed by state law, could wreak havoc with the economy <br />of the West. <br />Water is property, and very valuable property, in the Western <br />states. Our entire economy is based upon the judicious use and <br />regulation of our scarce water supply. We cannot permit large <br />scale transfers of water rights without scrupulous adherence to the <br />principles of protection to vested rights that have evolved out or <br />a long, difficult experience. <br />Colorado has no quarrel with the principle of federal assist- <br />ance to the Indian tribes in making them a viable and prosperous <br />community on the lands to which they have been placed by the federal <br />government, If the Congress, in its wisdow, wishes to appropriate <br />funds for the acquisition, on a voluntary basis and under the re- <br />strictions of state law, of water rights for the use of Indian <br />tribes, we do not complain. <br />However, we must voice our unyielding opposition to the two <br />provisions of the bill discussed above. They are not necessary <br />for the accomplismnent of the objectives of the Act, and violate <br />the basic principles of 'western water law. <br />Thank you. <br /> <br />6 <br />