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Show PART V REGIONAL NEEDS AND DEMANDS The regional needs and demands are based primarily on the regional interpretation of the projections for the target years 1980, 2000, and 2020, prepared by Office of Business Economics, Department of Commerce, and Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture (OBERS). Among these projections were population, employment, and the production of agricultural and other commodities to meet demands within the region and to supply a portion of national needs. Several segments of the OBERS projections were adjusted to represent local conditions. These included utilizing available feed and forage crops, timber products, producing minerals and power to meet regional and export needs, accommodating rec- reation and fish and wildlife needs, and interregional water export. Problems related to watershed protection, flood control, water qual- ity, pollution control, health factors, maintaining a quality environment, and other needs associated with production, are described. These projected developments result in requirements for water and as- sociated land resources. Water thus becomes the primary index for devel- opment of the regional plans. Population The population of the region is projected to reach 680,000 by 2020, as shown in the following tabulation. This included the 1968 OBE pro- jections with the hydrologic portion of Arizona added because of its im- pact on the San Juan area. Subregion and states 1965_________I98O_________2000_________2020 March 1968 OBE projections with Arizona portion added (Economic subregions other than Arizona) Green River 100,579 107,100 124,400 151,200 Upper Main Stem 136,725 142,900 171,400 204,200 San Juan-Colorado 128,725 176,200 241,900 324,800 Region 366,029 426,200 537,700 680,200 Arizona 29,100 41,700 52,300 64,300 Colorado 186,450 205,400 252,800 313,900 New Mexico 46,600 65,000 95,000 125,000 Utah 65,100 74,500 .94,100 124,100 Wyoming 38,779 39,600 43,500 52,900 Region 366,029 426,200 537,700 680,200 46 |