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Show Reclamation, and Central Utah Water Conservancy District in an attempt to reconcile requirements for preserving Unit economics and still provide minimum flows for preserving fisheries in the streams on the south slope of the Uintas. The current validity of this resolution was questioned by several. Some speakers were concerned that failure to develop water apportioned to Utah under the Colorado R. iver Compact could result in loss of that water to Lower Basin users. Social and Economic Factors Considerable discussion was directed toward the values of sacrificing existing natural environment for the improvement of the human environment. Most agreed that in the " people or fish" argument, people should nave priority if there were no other choice. Several business and industry representatives appeared to testify as to the economic stimulus that would result to the State's economy from construction and operation of the Unit. The value of this economic growth xvith its potential population concentration on the Wasatch Front was questioned by environmental groups. They also questioned the economics of the Unit itself in which agricultural interests were being favored over municipal and industrial users. There was concern that diversion of water from the Uinta Basin would place limits on the economic growth of the area. Population projections which were used in planning future water demands were questioned in view of current census trends. Representatives from the various organizations that would distribute the imported water indicated a rising demand for water beyond the pressures of present commitments. It was also indicated that construction of Unit features could be scheduled in various stages to meet actual demands as they developed. There was the question as to whether the additional water supply would stimulate population concentration on the Wasatch Front or whether that area would continue to grow even without the project. It was suggested that the distribution of Bonneville water could be used to disperse the population to other areas of the state, particularly in the Uinta and Sevier River Basins. Urgent need for additional water in the Sevier River Basin was emphasized by many residents from Hillard County. It was pointed out that their concern was based on their location at the lower end of the Bonneville Unit distribution system and any reduction in imported water would directly affect them. Representatives from the Uinta Basin expressed a need for municipal and industrial water and for stock watering, items which had not been included in the Bonneville Unit plans. The potential use of additional 636 |
