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1- 14 DIXIE PROJECT, UTAH I would state simply that the board has, in the interests of this project and in working in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, greatly appreciated the attitude of the regional director, Mr. West and his staff, in seeking a solution to this long- awaited project. We have been the principal State agency seeking to bring the State highway department and other State officials to the point of accepting the full cost of relocating the road. I would simply in this regard, affirm what you stated yourself, Mr. Chairman, that this is a bona fide offer of the State of Utah by its responsible officials, and that there is no way that this could conceivably bring about added Federal costs. This will be dollars from the State to build this facility. I would simply point out, Mr. Chairman, that this project is one that will serve an area where there is a critical need, and I am sure as the impressions have been given here today that we have dedicated people living there and their integrity is, I think, the best assurance that this project not only will work, but that the Federal investment will be paid back. We feel that the benefit- to- cost ratio speaks for itself as to feasibility from an economic standpoint, and the project is certainly something that you will weigh carefully in your deliberations. This is, I am sure, one of the few projects we can arrange to have stand on its own feet with regard to repayment. You have already been reminded that the entity with which the . United States can deal is already in existence, so there will be no delay or uncertainty in the minds of the committee whether the local people will include this necessary step, because it is already an accomplished fact. The point of cost of domestic or municipal water was under discussion this morning. May I offer two observations, here: First, the city of St. George, looking to the future, and also with the hope of improving the feasibility of the project, has agreed to purchase 5,000 acre- feet of water from the project. The costs that were discussed this morning are exclusive of any finishing or treating costs, and in addition the city will, until its requirements develop, they will be paying for a larger block of water in all probability than they will use. And in addition, this is the same area that has obligated itself for a 5- mill ad valorem tax, which falls on the same people, again. So I think any comparison with charges in other areas should take consideration of these facts. Mr. Chairman, unless there are questions, I think that would conclude the pertinent part of my statement. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Johnson, have you any questions ? Mr. JOHNSON. No questions. Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Skubitz ? Mr. SKTJBITZ. I want to compliment the gentleman on his statement. I notice that he says the project has an outstanding benefit- cost ratio of 2.3 to 1. I have been trying to think of a project with any better cost ratio. Mr. ROGERS. I don't know whether we have heard of any better than that. We have heard some advertised better than that. Mr. SKUBITZ. That is all, Mr. Chairman. Mr, ROGERS. Mr. Duncan? |
