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<br />, <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />large numbers of people. In an era when non-defense spending is being con- <br />. f d bl <br />stricted, few new water projects will be tederally inance. <br /> <br />Second, there is a trend toward demanding financial participation by <br /> <br />srates and by the beneficiaries of projects.~2 States are being pressed to <br /> <br />hold the line on tax rates and at the same time face downturns in revenues <br /> <br />because of an economic recession. Thus they are not equipped to accept ~~' <br /> <br />responsibility for major water development projects. Private efforts may <br /> <br />become possible as the economy improves, at least for projects that have the <br /> <br />promise of profitability--mostly non-agricultural enterprises. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />~ <br />Third, the United States has a responsibility as steward of, no...ra1 rp<- <br />~y~ <br />-So'''"''~ "" -En{ public lands and water,Se-Rat comprise needy ..11 u[ the Colorado <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />River Basin. Congress has repeatedly reaffirmed a commitment to preserve wild- <br /> <br />life and r~creational opportunities. Projects that may jeopardize these goals <br />GW1. ~tpI-'J ~ <br />~logl""'Y sh_~Id nat receive federal support. The Department of the Interior <br /> <br />as manager of existing projects on the river and as the primary building <br /> <br />agency for water projects is bound to consider the effects of its actions on <br />83 <br />the environment. Values should be attached to uses for fishing, hunting, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />camping and simply enjoyment of open, unspoiled areas. Valuation of these <br /> <br />amenities is difficult to include alongside the more rangible benefits of <br />84 <br />industrial use, agriculture and electrical generation, however. <br /> <br />Requiring finan:ial soundness of federal pr~ects could have implications <br /> <br />for existing projects needing repairs or renovation as well as scuttling pro- <br /> <br />posed new projects. A reform of project operations also could be forced if <br /> <br />the Secretary of Interior imposed new operating criteria as expiring contracts <br /> <br />are renegotiated. Legislation to require market pricing of power might be <br /> <br />enacted and reclamation law could be amended to impose user charges for irri- <br /> <br />gation water at market levels. Price increases for either product would <br /> <br />- 23 - <br />