Tentative Positions Reached on Issues Related to Pacific Southwest Water Plan

Document: Tentative Positions on Issues Related to Pacific Southwest Water Plan, December 5, 1963 (photocopy), page 23. Cost of Water to Metropolitan Water District: The Development Fund will bear the difference in cost to the Metropolitan Water District and other users of the cost of water provided through the Pacific Southwest Water Plan and the cost that would have been involved if water had been diverted from the Colorado River. The basic unit cost of Colorado River water to Metropolitan Water District will be based on a 550,000-acre-foot diversion, to which it is entitled under California's 4,400,000-acre-foot share of 7,500,000 acre-feet, rather than its present diversion of about 1,200,000 acre-feet. 4. New Mexico-Arizona Water Exchange Problem: Notwithstanding the lack of present agreement between the States or the water users, it is proposed that Hooker Dam not be deleted from the recommended plan, even though there is no present legal right to impound water therein for the benefit of New Mexico users. With the expectation that an agreement between the States and also the water users will be reached in the future that will lead to resolution of the legal problems, it is proposed that authorization for construction be sought. Language will be included in the report pointing out that we would protect Federal and other interests. As the Federal Government would be a necessary party to any agreement, it could provide such protection by approval or disapproval of proposed agreements. 5. Tributary Projects: Eliminate tributary projects from Phase I. Include a recommendation that priority planning be given to tributary projects. Include in the authorizing legislation provisions requiring that the Secretary's water delivery contracts under the Central Arizona Project contain a condition that contractors must agree to accept exchange water and a reservation of a prior right to Colorado River in some reasonable amount for the benefit of small projects which would divert water directly from the Colorado River. 6. Reclamation of Sewage Water: The potential for increasing water supplies in the Pacific Southwest will be prominently recognized in the report, and local development of this water resource will be strongly encouraged. Federal participation in sewage reclamation will not be recommended for immediate authorization. The future role of the Federal Government in this activity will be defined and provided for, if appropriate, in long-range studies. 7. High vs. Low Bridge Canyon Dam: The values to be gained from a high Bridge Canyon Dam overshadow those that would be lost. The report should continue to include a high Bridge Canyon Dam in the plan for initial authorization. 8. Coconino Dam: Without Coconino Dam, unsightly silt and debris accumulations would be deposited in the Grand Canyon National Park in the back-water area of a high Bridge Canyon Reservoir. Coconino Dam is justified for immediate construction primarily to prevent this condition, although it will be needed evenually to preserve Bridge Canyon Reservoir storage.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 2,046,113 byte