OCR Text |
Show -107- waters, that beneficial consumptive use of the waters within the basin is of paramount importance to the development of the basin and that no exer- cise of such rights or powers that would interfere with the full beneficial consumptive use of the waters within the basin shall be made except on a determination that such exercise is in the interest of the best utilization of such waters for multiple purposes; and (c) that the United States will recognize any properly established use, for domestic and irrigation purposes, which may be impaired by exercise of any Federal jurisdiction. Development of this compact has been under consideration for a number of years. At the invitation of the representative of the United States this Department has had a representative at meetings of the commissioners to prepare and consider the compact. We have felt that highest beneficial use should form the basis for use of the waters,of the Republican River Basin* The compact appears to set forth a reasonable and practical means of accomplishing this. Agriculture is the principal industry within the basin. Irrigation of considerable acreages is desirable to assure a stable feed crop for the livestock produced on upland portions of the basin and to produce some cash crops. This Department recommends passage of the bill* The Bureau of the Budget advises that it has no objection to the sub- mission of this report* Sincerely, Grover B. Hill, Assistant Secretary. Mr. Phillips. This Department has felt that the highest beneficial use- beneficial consumptive use-of water should form the basis for the use of the waters of the Republican River Basin* The compact sets forth a reasonable and practical basis for accomplishing this. Agriculture is the' principal industry in the upper part of the basin, and irrigation of considerable acreages is de- sirable to assure a stable feed crop for the livestock produced on the upland portions of the basin, and to produce various cash crops. In other words, this type of legislation should help make possible the "type of development in the basin to which it is suited. The Department recommends the passage of the bill. Senator McCarran. Thank you ver$ much. Mr. J. W. Dixon, of the National Resources Planning Board* Statement of J. lu Dixon, Chief, Water Resources Section, National Resources Planning Board Mr. Dixon. My name is J. W. Dixon. I am Chief of the Water Resources |