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Show 26 DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH As a lifelong resident of southern Utah, I am familiar with the struggle and heartbreak that accompanies an effort to mature crops in this dry and erratic climate. Our pioneer ancestors before us put forth great effort in developing the water supplies of this area. By no means do we regard our effort as being futile, but we are certain that this project is the only real answer to the water problems of Dixie. I have been associated with the Utah Water & Power Board since its inception in 1947, and you will find that the board has, from its beginning, worked for the authorization of the Dixie project. The board has made water rights applications for this project. You have the assurance that at the appropriate time these filings will be assigned by the Utah Water & Power Board to the United States. In conclusion I would like to read a resolution unanimously approved by the Utah Water & Power Board: Whereas the Utah Water & Power Board has the duty and responsibility to make plans, studies, and investigations to insure maximum development of water and power resources of the State of Utah; and Whereas Utah is entitled to an equitable portion of the water of the Virgin River system, a tributary of the lower Colorado River, and the Dixie project provides the only means by which this water can be placed to beneficial use in Utah; and Whereas this project would be of substantial benefit to the State of Utah and, while the residents of this area have diligently sought to perfect this project, it is of such magnitude that Federal assistance is required to accomplish this development; and Whereas the construction of the Dixie project on the Virgin River would result not only in benefits from irrigation, power, recreation, and flood control in the Virgin River basin, but would also benefit the Lower Colorado River Basin as a whole as a silt control project; and Whereas this board has on various occasions! adopted resolutions favoring the development of this project: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Utah Water & Power Board reaffirms its previous position in support of the development of the water of the Virgin River and the construction of the Dixie project; and be it further Resolved, That this board pledges its full support to assist in whatever form appropriate to accomplish the complete development of this project; and be it further Resolved, That the Irrigation and Reclamation Subcommittee of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee be and is hereby urged to favorably consider the Dixie project as outlined in the most current Bureau of Reclamation report, and recommend its authorization and early funding by Congress; and be it further . Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the chairman of the Irrigation and Reclamation Subcommittee of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, Utah congressional delegation, and Vice President of the United States. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity of appearing before your committee. Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Mr. Yardley, for your testimony. Our next witness is Mr. Jay R. Bingham, executive director of the Utah Water & Power Board. Mr. Bingham, if you will come forward and be recognized. STATEMENT OE JAY R. BINGHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UTAH WATER & POWER BOARD Mr. BINGHAM. Chairman Rogers, members of the committee, Governor Clyde, and Mr. Bennett. Mr. Chairman, my name is Jay R. Bingham. I appear before your important committee as an official representative of the State of Utah. |