Dixie Project legislation, 1963-1964

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- 4 - Project Repayment The local people have further demonstrated their complete cooperation by forming a local conservancy district which, based upon the high tax levy, will repay 76 per cent of the irrigation costs. In order to complete repayment, the Dixie bill provides for allocating the remainder to power revenues that will arise from Lower Colorado Basin dams, since the Virgin River is a Lower Basin stream. This same principle is used in connection with the Colorado River Storage Project, which established a formal basin account. Moreover, it is my understanding that some 15 additional western reclamation projects have utilized the same principle without establishing a basin account. The Lower Basin has had the benefit of Utah's water for many years, through the use of which it has been able to generate power to help in the repayment of Lower Basin project costs. It is logical and fair that we should expect some financial assistance from Hoover Dam power revenues to help pay out the Dixie Project. Dixie Project Stands on Own Merits An obstacle in the way of constructing the Dixie Project until recently is its location in the Lower Colorado River Basin. The U. S. Supreme Court's decision on the California - Arizona litigation over Lower Basin waters has lifted this previous questionable status. Moreover, the master appointed by the Supreme Court held that tributary streams such as the Virgin and the Santa Clara were not an issue in the Lower Basin dispute. Accordingly, Utah's right to expand its present Lower Basin tributary uses is clear. The Dixie Project should not be included in any package legislation for the Lower Colorado River Basin. The Virgin River is a captive stream. It should be considered and developed on its merits alone, and the time for action is now, not a year or several years from now. I cannot stress too vigorously the urgency of the Dixie Project and its importance to the economy and future well-being of Southern Utah. Urge Prompt Approval In conclusion, Mr. President, I again voice my wholehearted backing of the Dixie Project and urge its favorable approval. It has been determined by all agencies concerned that the project has engineering feasibility, that it is economically justified, that the reimbursable