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<br />O~23~9 <br /> <br />- 12 - <br /> <br />In simple words, if we do not get storage in '1estern Colorado very soon, <br />we will have lost, forever, the surplus water that supposedly flows in April, <br />May and June. Industry and agriculture have both developed in those portions <br />of the Nation where there has been sufficient water and sufficient electrical <br />power. For ~aximum development the storafe should be large enough to completely <br />regulate the river. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The static condition that exists in Delta, IEontrose, and Gunnison Coun- <br />ties, is clearly pointed out by a comparison of the population figures of 1940 <br />and 1950. In 1940 Delta County had 16,470 people; in 1950, 17,335 people, a <br />verJ slight increase; in 19Gc Gunnison County had 6,192 people and in 1950, <br />5,609, slightly lower. In 19U0 i"ontrose County had 15,418 people and 15,024 in <br />1950, another decrease. To provide the young people of the area an opportunity <br />to remain at home, expansion of some type must be undertaken. The National in- <br />crease in population over the period 1940 and 1950 was 20 million people, or <br />15 per cent. An increase of approximately 1100 farms in the area will definitely <br />mean an increase in farm population. It is estimated the gain ..1ill mean 4069 new <br />farm people in the area. Such an increase will make possible increases in city <br />and town populations serving the farms. Opportunities and jobs made possible by <br />this increase in farm population will probably mean at least an equal increase <br />to the trade centers. <br /> <br />A study by the University of Oklahoma states;. ..IlIf a community employs <br />2,000 workers in its factories, the advantages are even greater. A manufactur- <br />ing industry of 2,000 workers will support 1,600 workers in agriculture; 400 in <br />construction; 600 in transportation and public utilities; 2,000 in services; <br />1,600 in trade and finance. This group normally constitutes about 40 per cent <br />of a total population. So factories employing the original 2,000 persons would <br />be responsible for a population of 22,500 persons directly Or indirectly affected <br />in the community." <br /> <br />.' <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />V1estern Colorado must look to both agricultural and industrial develop- <br />ment as its fair share in the responsibility of developing the Nation and main- <br />taining our standard of living. <br />