OCR Text |
Show stock are arguments against using too large a share of the water in industry. Somewhere there is a proper balance between industry and irrigation, one that can be supported by the available water sup- plies, which will provide a stable and well-rounded economy for this problem area, and which will per- mit rehabilitation and satisfactory maintenance of watershed lands, croplands, and water facilities. A long-range plan for the orderly development and conservation of all resources of this problem area to meet its basic needs on a sound and perma- nent basis should be developed through participa- tion of all interested Federal, State, and local agencies. Obviously, no one can predict in detail what will be needed or what the people will want to do a generation from now. But it seems entirely practical to outline in broad terms the direction such a reconstruction program should take along three basic lines: (1) maximum feasible develop- ment of agricultural resources, (2) development of industry to the extent needed to absorb surplus farm people, and (3) improvement in community services such as municipal water supplies and health and educational facilities. Within this framework, de- tailed plans for various aspects can be developed and carried out from time to time with assurance that they will make the maximum contribution to the over-all objective. Points to Consider in a Long-range Plan Any long-range plan for the northern New Mex- ico portion of this basin should, among other points, consider: 1. The total water supplies which will be avail- able for use in this area, including those feasible of development in the future. Due regard must be given to interstate compacts, international treaties, and the water-right situation in New Mexico in this determination. 2. What production could reasonably be expected if all presently irrigated lands and those which may be developed with additional water supplies, with their appurtenant irrigation works, were maintained and operated at the highest practical level of efficiency. Proper allowance must be made for anticipated domestic and municipal needs, aside from new industries, for water. 3. The level of industrial employment needed to absorb the surplus rural population beyond those who could get a satisfactory living from irrigated lands if they were divided into economic farm units. 4. The types and number of industries which would provide this much employment, under the criteria mentioned above, and which could operate on a sound business basis after they are once estab- lished. Then it should be determined how much water these industries would consume. 5. How much irrigated acreage and agricultural production would be reduced by allocating this water to industrial use and how many more farm families would have to be absorbed by industry on this account. If the area becomes economically sound, some additional people would be absorbed by community services. 6. The final allocation of water to irrigation and industrial uses to make the highest use of avail- able and prospective water supplies and to establish and maintain the most stable economy. 7. What programs and physical works are needed to rehabilitate watershed lands, croplands, and existing irrigation works; to develop all new water supplies that are feasible and economically sound; and to minimize present wastage of water. This would include determination of all costs and bene- fits, repayment ability of direct and indirect beneficiaries, and equitable distribution of the costs among all interests. Only those projects should be considered in which the total benefits, to whomsoever they accrue, will equal the cost. Re- payment ability of the water users alone should not be the governing factor, although all beneficiaries should repay as much as they are able towards their equitable share of the costs. Repayments from water users should never be assessed at a higher rate than can be repaid by sound farming methods and without mining the productive capacity of the land. 8. What incentives, subsidies, or other forms of aid will be required to establish the needed indus- tries in this area so they can operate thereafter as private enterprises on a sound business basis. Such aids should not be extended to industries beyond those needed to absorb the surplus rural population, because that is their chief justification. Neither should they be used to promote industries which will need continuing subsidies. The chief purpose is to aid private enterprise in overcoming the initial handicaps which seem to prevent such industries from developing naturally. 9. What part of these aids should and can be pro- vided by local, State, and Federal governments. 10. Programs for the immediate future, within the broad framework of the long-range plan, for local, State, and Federal governments which will help to effectuate these needed improvements in land and water use and in community services. 351 |