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r.... ;,n ~ '-'oJ reducing such acreage and using the water for other purposes. Before selection of the final plan, all possible alternatives will be studied as to their effect on the environment. Current Status The West Divide project is in advanced planning stages which will culminate in a Definite Plan Report and Draft Environmental Statement scheduled for completion in June, 1978. Advance planning studies will include a comprehensive evaluation of changing conditions and priorities and special needs of the area. It is anticipated that the selective plan of development will materially reduce the present allocation of water for irrigation purposes and materially increase the allocation for municipal and industrial purposes. Considerable opposition has developed from residents of the Crystal River Valley over the proposed construction of Placita Reservoir. As a result, alternative reservoir sites are being investigated which might be more acceptable. Total investigation costs to June 30, 1974 are $1,132,484. Local Interest Construction of the West Divide project has long been advocated by local residents, western slope interests.in:Colorado, state officials, and private industry as a means of utilizing undeveloped land and water resources and possible stimulating development of the oil shale industry. Numerous oil companies have expressed interest in obtaining water from the project. The West Divide Water Conservancy District was formed April 17, 1964 by local residents as an instrument for project sponsor- ship and administration. The Colorado Water Conservation Board has assisted financially in establishing stream gaging stations and obtaining aerial topography needed for the project investigations. The Colorado River Water Con- servation District has made water right filings for the project and has actively assisted in a number of other ways. In July, 1970, the West Divide Water Conservancy District had detailed aerial topography made of about 1,300 acres of canal area along West Divide Creek to expedite preconstruction activities when the project is funded. In February 7, 1972 the State of Colorado, Colorado River Water Conservation District, and the West Divide Water Conservancy District contributed $30,000 toward investigations of alternative routes for project facilities. Conclusions and Recommendations Agriculture is the principal industry in the area at the pre~ent time. Irrigation is required for growing crops on a majority of the project lands. Studies indicate that the presently irrigated land has had a water shortage of about 55 percent from the ideal requirement. -3~