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Show 104 DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH reclamation law and practice. It has always been feasible from an economic benefit- cost ratio point of view. Mr. CHENOWETH. IS the principal interest in the project from the present irrigators for supplemental water, or to develop new land ? Mr. DOMINY. They are badly in need of supplemental water. As a matter of fact, the economy of this whole area has been deteriorating. If it were not for the tourist trade, if they had to depend entirely on the agricultural base, which is what established the community originally it would have deteriorated quite seriously. The tourist trade you know has expanded tremendously since World War II, and this area enjoys a location in a very beautiful desert with some pretty high mountains close by, and two national parks of international prominence, as well as on a major route down to the Southwest. Mr. CHENOWETH. I was very favorably impressed with the need for supplemental water for their presently irrigated land now under irrigation. Mr. DOMINY. But the real impetus behind any project are the people that are there now and they recognize that to hold their young people at home they have got to give them broader opportunities; they have got to develop their land and water resources. Mr. ROGERS. Will the gentleman yield ? Mr. DOMINY. Yes, sir. . ; Mr. ROGERS. Suppose those young people do not wTant to stay home? Mr. DOMINY. They will stay home if they have an opportunity to grow and develop there, at least more of them will than are staying now. ;. ••••,.: Mr. CHENOWETH. Off the record. ( Discussion off the record). J Mr. CHENOWETH. That is all, Mr. Dominy. Thank you very much. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Skubitz? Mr. SKUBITZ. Mr. Dominy, I want to congratulate you for an excellent statement. I am inclined to agree with you when you say while the payment costs are high here these people are willing to tighten their belts and go ahead with the project. That is just the feeling I got. I think they are willing to make extra sacrifices in order to see this dream come true. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Burton? Mr. BURTON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Commissioner, isn't it true that the economic cost- benefit ratio on the Dixie project is exceptionally good? Mr. DOMINY. Yes, 2.2 to 1 is an exceptionally good benefit- cost ratio. Mr. BURTON. And in terms of other proposed projects wouldn't you say it was probably excellent ? Mr; DOMINY. Yes. Mr. BURTON. SO that no one is going to get up on the floor, if we get this to the floor and read your words back, and try to read words back that aren't there, I want to get this crystal clear on the record, which is that nothing you said about the proposed southwestern water development program and the role that the Dixie project might play in this at some future day is to be construed as hoping that the Dixie project is delayed until the water plan is presented. Am I correct in that ? |
