WSP07153

• File Number: 8503.400.A
• Description: Rio Grande Compact
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 10/1/1937
• Title: Rio Grande - San Luis Valley Situation
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

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It is now planned for a Deeting between M, C, Hin<iorlic1o.f
Clifford H, Stone and representatives of a group of water users ic
plo.nned at Duran(;~ on Neven]Jer 27th, The writer sUGGests thc,t it i',
only vecessary for the San JUM intorests to acree upon the prinoiple;
of transnountain diversion into the Middle Rio Grande, providod ,11, l'",,';~
coasures are taken to pretect the present and prospective use of water
in the Wostern Slope Drainaco Area involvedo The water users in that
~rea are not now advised of the nature and extent of such measures< The
details and measures of such protection is a matter for adjustment
between New Mexico and tho San JUM interests, If the proposed divorsio~
were formed by Colorado, it would be necessary for the State, in 80~e
leGal manner, to waive the operation of the statuto which prohibits
another state fron diverting water in this state for use in another,

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The question of state line deliveries under present conditiens
and under full develcpr~nt in the basins are involved in the conpact
negotiations.

The engineers for the three states are to moet on the 22nd of
Novenber for a discussion of a possible fornula of such state line deliveri,
The next meeting of ' the compact connissioners has net been called,

No effort is here made to discuss all of tho details of these
Hio Grande negotiations, cut sufficient is here stated to indicate tho protl
and the questions of policy in which this Doard is interested. Decause
of pending negotiations, certain matters should be disclosed only upon the i
advise of the compact ccrmissiener. Mr, Hinderlidcr may see fit to supple..
ment this statement when this Doard r~ets.

It is here strongly urged that every measure be taken to bring
abeut a cendition whioh will result in a compaot; and that eV0ry advisaH0
effort he Dade to avoid involving Colorado in another interstate suit,
Such a suit on the Hio Grando River will he very expensive to the state,
entail great dolay and in tho ond wo shall be uesparately fighting to
retain what rights our water users now enjoy, A proper compact, on the
othor hand, ,viII insure developnents in the San Luis Valloy, which in
futuN3 years will elininate pro,sont serious crop lossos.