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. . . 0640 SYLLABUS The District Engineer, as the result of studies and investiga- tions, finds that: a. There is a serious and long-standing flood problem on the Purgatoire River at Trinidad, Colorado, and the agricultural area in the vicinity. No flood control works other than minor emergency re- pairs have been constructed by the Federal Government. The floodway through the city of Trinidad, constructed by local interests, has out- served its useful life. In its deteriorated state, large sections of the concrete floodwalls have toppled into the channel and further re- strict the inadequate channel capacity. b. The central buSiness, commercial, and industrial areas of Trinidad which have frequently sl~fered serious flood damages are more vulnerable than ever to recurrent flood damages because of the reduced flood protection now afforded. Service on vital transcontinental rail lines is also subject to disruption during floods and important rural areas are damaged by inundation, scour, and deposition of sediment. Also, irrigation diversion works are rendered inoperative by floods, and crops outside the flood plain suffer from lack of water until the works can be put back in operation. c. As reported by the Bureau of Reclamation, (1) the waters of the Purgatoire River in southeastern Colorado are inadequately regulated for the most beneficial use for irrigation, and the economy of the Purgatoire River Valley is impaired due to water shortages and resulting losses in crop production; and (2) operation of the conser- vation capacity in Trirudad Reservoir for irrigation can be accomplished under the provisions of existing law and the Arkansas River Compact. ~UCh operation will not interfere with the utilization of the conserva- tion capacity of John ~~rtin Reservoir for the purposes specified in he Arkansas River Compact. d. It is also reported by the Bureau of Reclamation that the proposed Trinidad Reservoir Project for irrigation would accomplish the follo,Jing results: (1) a regulated and supplemental water suppJ;v would be made available for 19,500 acres of presently irrigated land in the Purgatoire River Valley below Trinidad Reservoir; (2) these irrigated lands, which are not now producing to the extent of their capability due to the inadequacy or poor regulation of water supplies, would be brought into greater productivity; and (3) the proceeds from increased crop production would meet all production expenses, provide for adequate family living standards, pay annual i.rrigation operation, maintenance and replacement charges, and pay without interest the con- struction costs allocable to irrigation 1vithin an estimated period of 70 years. e. The Trinidad Reservoir Project is the most favorable plan of improvement investigated which would provide flood protection for Trinidad, Colorado, and at the same time provide regulation of the available water supply for more effective agricultural use, and possible future domestic and industrial uses. This plan provides for irrigation regulation, and will also prevent flood damages, during the 75-yea:r economic life of the improvement. The plan has the approval and support of local interests. t