OCR Text |
Show CHAPTER N - RECOMMENDATIONS The Lower Colorado Region State-Federal Interagency Group recommends: 1. That the framework program presented in the Main Report be used as a general guide for the future development of water and related land resources of the Lower Colorado Region. 2. That priority of action be directed to the current backlog of critical needs, plus those expected by 1980, to satisfy requirements for water conservation and supply; water quality improvements; rehabilitation of irrigation systems; land treatment and management; flood control; fish and wildlife enhancement; outdoor recreation; the enhancement, conserva- tion, and preservation of environmental values; and public well-being. Critical program needs recommended for early consideration are: a. That funding for the Central Arizona Project be accel- erated for completion of the project by 1980 to alle- viate the present critical water deficiencies. b. That studies of Type IV intensity be initiated in such areas as the Santa Cruz-San Pedro River Basin, Whitewater Draw, and Willcox Playa to identify and evaluate individual projects for water and related land resource development. Similar studies are needed in the Salt, Verde, Gila, and Agua Fria drainage areas and along those major streams with riparian vegetation to determine impact of and potential for a vegetation management program for increased water yield. c. That presently authorized watershed projects be com- pleted in time to, as nearly as possible, meet the 1980 needs, with special emphasis on those projects that are related to other water resource developments. d. That prompt and effective joint action be taken to accelerate programs for erosion, sediment, and runoff control; irrigation, including water management systems and impervious lining of distribution systems; and drainage to more effectively utilize and preserve the productive capacity of the Region's water and related land resource base. lk7 |