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Show PART VT FRAMEWORK PLAN AND ALTERNATIVES The basic purpose in formulating the framework plan is to provide a broad guide to outline development of "water, land, and related resources to meet requirements to the year 2020. Development of the plan incorpo- rates coordinated analysis for all water and related land use with con- sideration of constraints imposed by physiographic characteristics, the overall shortage of water, and the legal and institutional environments. Plans, goals, and needs of the states and other localized areas were also considered. Water allotments, priority of use, and delivery commitments within the terms of the Colorado River Compact, the Mexican Water Treaty, and the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact set forth obligations which were considered. These factors, along with separate state water codes, im- posed significant constraints. This study gives cognizance to environmental assets for a pattern of future development which will preserve or enhance the esthetic and health-related attributes. The plan includes features which minimize adverse environment impacts and largely compensate for unavoidable ef- fects. Identification of problems in this study should permit resolu- tion of conflicts and allow timely and coordinated use of the resources in meeting future demands. The comprehensive framework plan is based upon identified needs and requirements, using available resources to meet regionally interpreted OBERS projections through the year 2020. This plan is described and then is followed by a discussion of alternative plans that reflect emphasis on different uses for the available water supplies and resources. The al- ternative plans are identified as: (1) States' alternative to the framework plan (6.55 million acre- foot level of development), (2) States' alternative at the 8.l6 million acre-foot level of de- ve lopme nt, and (3) States' alternative for water supply physically available at site in the region (9«^ million acre-feet). Consideration was initially given to formulation of a plan to meet the needs contained in the 1968 OBERS projections. Plans were not devel- oped because of basic inconsistencies in the agricultural projections a-nd a need to conform to planned and anticipated development in the minerals, timber, and power sectors. 59 |