Summary of the Pacific Southwest Water Plan

Document: Draft of the "Summary of the Pacific Southwest Water Plan", August 1963 (carbon copy) page 614. Construction of the basic facilities needed now to provide water cannot be delayed pending the results of long-range research and investigation. They must proceed immediately and concurrently. Because of the long interval between the start of construction and delivery of water under the programs proposed, delays in the start of construction could be disestrous to the area. 15. The studies presented in this report show conclusively that not only' is the physical solution available for the water needs of the Pacific Southwest for the next 25 or 30 years, but that such solution is financially feasible. It could be financed from a combination of revenues from the sale of water and power at favorable rates. 16. While the heavy percentage of the region's future power needs will have to come from thermal sources, remaining feasible hydro sites should be developed for project pumping and for peaking. We propose that power from Marble Canyon and Bridge Canyon Dams will be sold at 6 mills per kilowatt hour and that, after payout, Parker-Davis power will continue to be sold at 4.7 mills and Hoover power at 4 mills. Full integration of Lower Basin projects with other Federal power systems may increase power benefits. 17. Phases 1 and 2 of the selected water plan would have a benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.1 to 1.0. They would pay out by 2044, which is 50 years after the last increment is installed. Non-raimbursable purposes include flood control, fish and wildlife, recreation and area redevelopment. Reimbursable purposes include municipal and Industrial water supply, irrigation and commercial power. Irrigation payments would fall $20,000,000 short of returning costs over a 50-year period, without interest, thus requiring assistance from power revenues. Municipal and industrial costs would bear 3% interest, 6Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 3,338,774 byte