| OCR Text |
Show It is recognized that subsidization of low cost housing, irrigation, or other similar programs is done to promote a worthwhile activity. All activities using scarce resources are completed in preference to some other worthwhile activity. Section H is included in the environmental statement analysis for the purpose of trying to ascertain what these other alternative costs would be. The environmental costs of the Unit are shown in the text. The detail presented therein should be sufficient to inform those responsible for final decision making of the expected environmental impacts. The point that irrigation subsidy is unjustified at this time is a controversial issue. Reclamation law ( Public Law k85 - passed in 1956) and the Water Conservancy Act, Utah Code - Annotated 19^ 3? outline the sources of revenues, which are to be used for repayment of costs associated with Unit water. These laws lead to the present use of revenues for irrigation as planned in the Bonneville Unit. Assistance in the repayment of irrigation costs was thoroughly appraised prior to enactment of the above two laws and little has occurred which would suggest that changes in this principle are warranted. Studies of the agricultural sector affected by the Bonneville Unit which were made by farm survey and budget analysis, indicate there would be an average increase in gross farm income because of Unit water of more than $ 26.00 per acre. But the effects of this increase would not stop with the farmer. A recent study made by the University of Nebraska measured the impacts of irrigation upon the economy of the State.^- 24 Their findings showed that for each $ 1.00 increase in crop production due to irrigation, a total of $ 6.68 in new business activity was generated throughout the State. Furthermore, while the effects extended beyond the State, no attempt was made to measure such impacts. We see no reason why similar activity would not be generated throughout the business channels within the State of Utah. Using this multiplier of $ 6.68 for each $ 1.00 increase the per acre effect upon lands receiving Unit water would be $ 175.00; and with an estimated 2* 1- 2,500 acres receiving Unit water the total influence upon the economy of the State would approach $ 1+ 2 million per year. , Issue 5* The diVer^ slc-' n of Water from the Uinta Basin would, restrict the potential for growth and development of this area and would decrease the opportunities for the dispersal of population into the Uinta Basin. Environmental Protection Agency Forest Service Duchesne County Roosevelt City National Wildlife Federation Utah Environmental Center Western River Guides and several individuals Issue raised by: |
