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<br />. <br /> <br />Ute people want to use the rivers for their economic development in a . <br />way that allows_ us to live in harmony with the land and water. We are <br />not aware of any environmental problems posed by the Ute Legacy Land <br />and Water Fund proposal. However, we can see how it could help solve <br />many environmental problems of Colorado River States and the Federal <br />Government. We anticipate that the feasibility study will highlight how <br />water acquisitions by the fund can help solve endangered species and <br />clean water problems, and enhance rather than harm many <br />environmentaI and recreational resources in the region. <br /> <br />SOLVING THE NEW MEXICO/NA V AJO PROBLEM <br /> <br />.. Give the New Mexico cities back the 30,000 acre feet of water rights <br />they transferred to the ALP. Let these cities work out an arrangement <br />with the Navajo Indian Tribe that takes advantage of the unused <br />capacities of The Navajo Storage Project. The Bureau of Reclamation <br />knows how to do this, Someone needs to ask them for a feasibility <br />study on this alternative for New Mexico. An approach of this kind, <br />without the burdens of the ALP, holds an efficient solution for New <br />Mexico water supply problems (and the conflicts with the Navajos), as <br />well as the endangered fish problems ofthe San Juan River. <br /> <br />The truth is, neither New Mexico nor the Navajos ever needed the ALP. <br />It was the ALP that needed them, or more specifically their water rights <br />and/or M & I repayment capacities. There is clearly a way for the New <br />Mexico residents of San Juan County to secure the water supply they <br />need without the ALP. The Bureau of Reclamation or the EPA can <br />demonstrate this if allowed to speak candidly. The smart New Mexico <br />alternative would not only avoid ALP repayment obligations, it would <br />entitle the residents of San Juan County to a refund of the $12 million <br />they have already paid for ALP cost sharing. <br /> <br />7 <br />