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Show DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH 71 LOCAL PEOPLE UNITED During the course of the previous hearings on the Dixie project, it has been repeatedly illustrated that the people of Utah are united in their earnest desire to see the Dixie project built after its having been under study by the Bureau of Reclamation since at least 1918. It was only World War II which blocked much earlier construction of the project at a cost that would have been but a relatively small fraction of the burdens which the people of Utah's Dixie are willing to undertake today so that the project may become a reality. In fact, the local people have agreed to impose an almost unprecedented tax burden to repay their share of the project costs. This 5- mill ad valorem tax contrasts with the usual levy of from 1 to 2 mills for other reclamation projects. PROJECT REPAYMENT The local people have further demonstrated their complete cooperation by forming a local conservancy district which, based upon the high tax levy, will repay 76 percent of the irrigation costs. In order to complete repayment, the Dixie bill provides for allocating the remainder to power revenues that will arise from Lower Colorado Basin dams, since the Virgin River is a lower basin stream. This same principle is used in connection with the Colorado River storage project, which established a formal basin account. Moreover, it is my understanding that some 15 additional western reclamation projects have utilized the same principle without establishing a basin account. The lower basin has had the benefit of Utah's water for many years, through the use of which it has been able to generate power to help in the repayment of lower basin project costs. It is logical and fair that we should expect some financial assistance from Hoover Dam power revenues to help pay out the Dixie project. DIXIE PROJECT STANDS ON OWN MERITS An obstacle in the way of constructing the Dixie project until recently is its location in the Lower Colorado River Basin. The U. S. Supreme Court's decision on the California- Arizona litigation over lower basin waters has lifted this previous questionable status. Moreover, the master appointed by the Supreme Court held that tributary streams such as the Virgin and the Santa Clara were not an issue in the lower basin dispute. Accordingly, Utah's right to expand its present lower basin tributary uses is clear. The Dixie project should not be included in any package legislation for the Lower Colorado River Basin. The Virgin River is a captive stream. It should be considered and developed on its merits alone, and the time for action is now, not a year or several years from now. I cannot stress too vigorously the urgency of the Dixie project and its importance to the economy and future well- being of southern Utah. URGE PROMPT APPROVAL In conclusion, Mr. President, I again voice my wholehearted backing of the Dixie project and urge its favorable approval. It has been determined by all agencies concerned that the project has engineering feasibility, that it is economically justified, that the reimbursable cost can be repaid within the standard 50- year repayment period, and that construction would be a forward step in the conservation and utilization of the lands and water resources of the entire region. The passage of this bill would fill a vital niche in this arid region of the State and of the country. Thank you. Senator BENNETT. Mr. Chairman, I think all I have to say is in an attempt to underscore what my friend, Mr. Burton, said at the beginning; within the State of Utah there is no fundamental disagreement as to the value of this project, not only to the Dixie country but to the Iron County which lies to the north of it and which will also benefit somewhat if this project can be approved. It will represent the fulfillment of a dream for the people in that country who have held that dream almost since they got down there. Mr. EOGERS. Mr. Aspinall ? |