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Show igation, and other purposes. Water power, there- fore, is intimately linked with other water use functions and should be accomplished in step with improvements for these purposes. Under present programs, power can be devel- oped in connection with irrigation projects such as storage reservoirs in the basin, transmountain diver- sions into the basin, and diversions out of the valley. Further irrigation in connection with the Blue- South Plafcte diversion project would permit con- structing additional hydroelectric power facilities. Reservoir projects on the main stem between Fort Peck and Vankton, included in the authorized plans primarily for navigation and flood control, will pro- vide ultimate installations aggregating about 1.4 million kilowatts, or almost 60 percent of the power to be provided under the approved plans. Com- paratively small amounts of power also may be de- veloped at flood control reservoirs on lower basin tributaries. The possible future provision of slack-water navi- gation on the Missouri River between Yankton and the mouth would make possible the development of some 2.2 million kilowatts of generating capacity in the area of greatest need. Such development would improve navigation conditions by reducing velocities, and help resolve possible conflicts be- tween consumptive use of water upstream and navi- gation requirements downstream.44 It would also improve the character and value of power pro- duced at rxiain stem reservoirs by eliminating the need to conserve water for navigation months, a procedure which results in reduced flow during winter months, and smaller power output. Power possibilities at reservoirs on lower basin tributaries would also be improved by slack-water navigation on the Missouri River. The large planned water releases from these tributary reser- voirs in th& interest of navigation on the Mississippi River coul<l be reduced if larger winter releases were pernxitted from main stem Missouri reser- voirs. The time for developing the hydroelectric power will be determined not only by the need for addi- tional power but also by requirements for other functions ojf water resources development. The in- stallation rate for needed hydroelectric facilities will also depenc3 in part on progress in sediment control. 44 There azre other problems requiring solution before slack-water navigation may be considered feasible. Among them are sediment control, pollution abatement, seepage into valley land, and land inundation. Conclusions (1) Power market studies indicate the need for approximately 6.6 million kilowatts of new de- pendable power capacity in the Missouri River Basin and contiguous areas by 1970, with a large part of these needs occurring in the lower basin. (2) Hydroelectric power to be developed in con- nection with multiple-purpose projects under con- struction and authorized, largely in the upper basin, amounting ultimately to some 2.5 million kilowatts of generating capacity, could supply a large part of the new demands in the upper basin. Additional demands in the lower basin areas will probably have to be supplied largely by fuel-electric plants and hydroelectric power generated in adjacent basins. Eventually some may be supplied in con- junction with some 2.2 million kilowatts developed as a part of a slack-water navigation plan for the lower Missouri. The possibility of this needed pow- er gives added justification for slack-water naviga- tion works. However, development of this power, like navigation, can proceed only after sediment control and channel stabilization are well along. (3) Great reserves of low-quality coal within the basin permit a ready development of steam power. Attention should be given to integrating this re- source with the planned hydroelectric systems. (4) Most of the hydroelectric power to be de- veloped in the basin, either under present or possi- ble future plans, will be produced as a part of multi- ple-purpose programs. It will be a major purpose, but the rate of development must be determined in the light of needs for power and other functions. 8. The Place of Private Initiative in the Control and Use of Water Resources The Problem The extent to which private individuals and business concerns can participate in organized con- trol and use of the basin's water resources. The Situation With some local exceptions, the basin as a whole is relatively undeveloped. It is lagging in all phases of water resources use. There are many oppor- tunities for the participation of private enterprise, though more for some functions than for others. Private enterprise, for example, has a dominant place in agricultural programs; its position in hydro- electric power development is less prominent. 256 |