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~ tn 00 C\J C C !/ , . 'r, \ (/31-- RIO GRANDE _ Sill, LUIS VALLEY SITUATION The tenporary conpact botwoen Colorado, New r~exico and Texas expired on October I, 1937. The conpact connissio ors on this rivor and thoir advisors net frcn Soptenber 27th to Octobor 1st for the consideration of a pemanent corij:act, ),1. 'C. Hindorlider, the Colorado COlJDissioner on the Rio Grande, Royce J. Tipton, consultant for the Joard and Clifford H. Stono attonded on bohalf of Colorado, Goorgo Corlett and a'nunber of water users fron tho San Luis Valley wore also in attondance. '"r. Corlett has' takon an activo part in Rio Grande River inter-stato natters for sone years. Ralph Carr, legal representative for the Conojos group was not al'le to be present. Professor ~arrows, Hr. Grover, Professor Adans and Mr. Stevens of th0 National 2esources Connittee were present and at the close of this first session suggested a basis for settlenont of the involvod situation on the Rio Grande. This connittee has supervised a joint investigation of the'entire basin oVer a period of nany nonths. The report was only recently nado. It i$ the opinion of thoso who have studied it that the position of Colorado is largely sustained. During the period of this investication no Governnental Agencies were pemitted to extend financial assistance in the San Luis Valley. This restriction was aceonplished by a governnental order which followed an enbargo in that valley against developnents over a period of Dany years, Serious crop losses are sufferod in tho valley ar~s~nc froD lack of sufficient water. Every neasuro nust be takon to secure adequate storace for late irrigation. Tho joint investigation states and the Federal Gove~~ent. bienniun ~18,OOO.OO. above nentioned was financed by the three Colorado contricuted in the last If a cer.,pact is not reached it seens certain that the Fodoral Governnent will i,',tervene in the prosent suit between Texas and New LIexico and in that event Colorado wi 11, no doubt, bccone a p~y. :;ecause of the position taken by the National Resources ConDittee, it now appoars that Colorado cannot oxpect its developnents unless sane plan involving a basin wide developnent is adopted. This will nean inportod'water fron the San Juan Dasin on tho Western Slope into the ljiddle, Hio Grande; and such inpertation fron the Western Slope invokes the question of proper pro- tective Deasure for present and prospective use in the San Juan ;;asin. The question should be subnitted to the water users, or their representatives. If water was inported, a percontage of release en acreod state.line deliveries out of the San Luis Valley should be recognized. J\n understanding ,vith New Mexico as to lecality of use of its share of Colorado River Water. is also invol wd.