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Show DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH U utilization of the lands and water resources of the entire region. We are meeting here today in an area which fully demonstrates the need and importance of long- term cyclical water storage and conservation. The time for action is now. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the privilege of appearing here today. Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Senator Bennett. Now, let the Chair make this observation at this time. Senator Moss expressed to me his very deep regrets that he could not be present tonight and handed me a letter that he asked me to read to the meeting which I wish to proceed to do now. It is a very short letter and will not take but a moment. Hon. WALTER ROGERS, Chairman, Subcommittee on Irrigation and Reclamation, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. DEAR WALT : I wish to express my gratitude to you and to Chairman Aspinall for acceding to the requests which I and other Utahans have made that public hearings be held on the Dixie project this year. In May, it was my pleasure to conduct public hearings of the Senate Interior Subcommittee on Irrigation and Reclamation on my bill to authorize the project. Those hearings were held both in Washington and in St. George. The bill is moving on schedule through the Senate. This is the first year of congressional consideration of the Dixie project, and I believe we can be most encouraged at the progress that is being made on the legislation. For over 100 years now the residents of this area have sought to' harness and turn on to their arid lands the precious waters of the Virgin and Santa Clara Rivers. The legislation you are considering has been a dream for 45 years- an urgent objective for 15. The Dixie project has overwhelming support in southern Utah. By voting to obligate their lands to repay the cost of the project, the residents have demonstrated their willingness to assume, in full, all repayment obligations. The citizens of Washington County are making energetic efforts to build their economy through local initiative. They have recently brought substantial industry into the area. Improving and stabilizing the water supply- which the Dixie project will do- should greatly assist them in these endeavors. I again pledge my wholehearted efforts to advance the Dixie project, and my desire to cooperate in any way I can with you, Mr. Chairman, and the members of your subcommittee. Very sincerely yours, FRANK E. Moss, U. S. Senator. And this letter will be included in the record at this point. The Chair will now recognize the Honorable George D. Clyde, Governor of the State of Utah. Governor Clyde. STATEMENT OF HON. GE0IL « * E D. CLYDE, GOVEKNOE, OF THE STATE OF UTAH Governor CLYDE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, first let me again reaffirm my welcome on behalf of the people of the State of Utah to you committee members for coming out here to sit in this very important aspect of our country. I had the opportunity of flying down today with the chairman, Congressman Kogers, and Congressman Chenoweth, and I took them over the head waters of the Virgin River so that they could see where this water comes from which is the life blood of this community. My interest and knowledge of this project is not limited to my terms as Governor. My first experience on water and agricultural problems in Washington and Iron |