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Show DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH 29 people with, integrity it is hard to really place a value on water. Of course, there is some economic limit in the event it would be helpful to the committee and to demonstrate this in this particular area. I would submit that in 1961 the water users under the Baker Reservoir- this is on the Santa Clara unit- above the lower Gunlock Reservoir proposal project, paid $ 6.71 per acre- foot for the water derived. In that same year the water users under the Kolob Reservoir paid $ 13.55 for supplemental water furnished by that reservoir. I think these figures would document what I have said in general about the ability to repay these costs if water can be provided. Mr. BURTON. Thank you. Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Mr. Bingham. Mr. Skubitz wants to ask you a question. Mr. SKUBITZ. Mr. Bingham, are there any objections to this project by people who are living downstream and in adjoining States ? Mr. • BINGHAM. NO, sir, the project has the support of the downstream States, notably Arizona and Nevada. Governor Clyde, I think, 3 years ago, met with the Governors of our two sister States, and there was an agreement at that level. Mr. BURTON. I think, Mr. Bingham, the gentleman is referring to objections that downstream- water users have to the salinity problem which will " be created by the LaVerkin Springs. If you will direct yourself to that point, I think that's what he wants to know. Mr. BINGHAM. Could I suggest, Congressman, that Mr. Criddle, who I believe will be heard from by this committee perhaps has some direct testimony on this subject and would be the appropriate person to answerthat? ' ^ • Mr. BURTON. Fine. Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Mr. Bingham. Our next witness is Mr. Wayne D. Criddle, the State engineer. Mr. Criddle, if you will come forward, we will recognize you* STATEMENT OF WAYI& E D. CEIDDIJE, STATE ENGINEER, OP UTAH Mr. CRIBBLE. Mr. Chairman, my name is Wayne D. Criddle. I was asked by Gov. George D. Clyde to appear before your committee as an official representative of the State of Utah. The office of the State engineer, of which I am in charge, is responsible for administering the waters of the State and for studying the extent and availability of the water resources as necessary in such administration. I should like to briefly review for you the rights and existing uses of water in Utah's portion of the Virgin River Basin and possible effects of the proposed Dixie project on the quantity and quality of the water in the river as it leaves Utah and flows into Arizona and into Lake Mead. Other witnesses already have or will discuss the physical and financial features of the project, the needs of the local people for this development, and the benefits to the people in the project area, the region, State, and Nation. As most southwest rivers, the Virgin is an erratic and flooding ptream. Much of the annual flow comes heavily laden with silt particularly that resulting from heavy summer storms. After the river breaks out of the deep eroded canyons above Hurricane the gradient lessens and the river fans out over a wide flood plain. Canal diver- £ 6- 351- 64 3 |