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r. '. . 002325 CHAPTI:R III PROJECT DEVELOPMENT (Wessels unit) The benefits ~ould compare with the average annual equivalent costs in a ratio of about 1.2 to 1. The net annual benefits (benefits 'in excess of costs) would amount to about $18,700. Plan selection and alternatives Alternative plans appraised in connection with the Wessels unit include a plan for irrigation use of water from Oak Cree~a tributary of the Yampa River, and plans for the inclusion of power facilities at Bear Reservoir and on Morrison Cree~another tributary of the tamps River. The Oak Creek irrigation plan was eliminated since surplus water available in the stream is not sufficient for a material development. The tampa River is apparently the only source of water that is econemi- cally justifiable for development to serve the arable lands of the unit. Inclusion of power in the Wessels unit plan would involve the enlargement of Bear Reservoir and construction of a powerplant ~t the head of Wessels Canal. A further enlargement of the po~er features would include the construction of a reservoir on Morrison Creek and an enlargement of the powerplant at the Wessels Canal diversion. Releases from both reservoirs would be utilized at the powerplant and would then be utilized to satisfy the irrigation demand of the Wessels ulli t lands. The benefit-cost ratio for both additions is about 0.9 to 1. In view of this marginal ratio, the power potentialities were not included in the proposed plan of development. Two different sizes of development were analysed for the Wessels unit. The selected plan is the larger of the two and would provide the greater net benefits. The smaller plan would serve only the portion of the unit area south of Steamboat Springs ~bont'5;OOO acres) and would eliminate the most difficult section of the Wessels Canal. The smaller plan had a slightly higher benefit-cost ratio and repayment cRpacity than the selected plan and with more detailed study may well be the plan recommended for development. An alternative use for the water utilized by the Wessels unit includes a transbaain diversion to serve the Toponas unit of the Cliffs-Divide project. This a.l tel'nati ve lIse j.. Qis"lIssed ;,n- Chavter V of this report. 20