Statement Presented by Senator Len B. Jordan to Senate Irrigation and Reclamation Subcommittee During Hearings on Central Arizona Project

Document: Statement presented by Senator Len B. Jordan To Senate Irrigation and Reclamation Subcommittee During Hearings on Central Arizona Project (S. 1658) In discussion of Pacific Southwest Water Plan, April 17, 1964, page 2-2- "We have made studies in California which show that (consideration of the cost of development aside) we have within the boundaries of our state more water than will be needed to meet the estimated ultimate requirements within California. We are, therefore, in a position to assist in meeting the immediate water needs of the Lower Basin of the Colorado River, provided a regional plan is adopted which will assure us that the ultimate development of California will not be prejudiced." Mr. Chairman, I pause to commend the State of California for the great effort it is making to meet the water emergencies that come with great population increases. I do not recall that any other state in the Union has done and is doing so much for itself in water resource development with its own tax money as the State of California. But for the Southwest, I see endless controversy ahead in resolving such questions as the sanctity of "county of origin" statutes or the conflict of the doctrine of prior appropriation in water use with inter-state compact agreement and with Supreme Court decisions. I see neighbor pitted against neighbor, costly litigation, endless frustrations and delay. Yesterday, Secretary Udall and Senator Kuchel engaged in a philosophical discussion of water needs and population shifts looking ahead 100 years, 200 years. This concept strikes a responsive chord in me for I think we should be looking for more than temporary solutions to such a vexing problem. So I issue the challenge now that we are not thinking big enough in treating this problem for the long pull. From these hearings I have learned three things: (1) There isn't enough water in the Colorado basin to go around, (2) The alternative Pacific Southwest Water Plan may answer present needs and future needs for part of the basin, but the inescapable and inevitable conclusion is that vast quantities of water must be imported to the Southwest, and (3) The best source is the Columbia River.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,293,092 byte