The Delta independent., 1917-06-08
project Committee Report.

erS Assn, Delta, COLO.
My Dear Doctor:
Referring to conference had with
yourself and other representatives of
the water users association May % to
26, inclusive, have to advise as fol-
lows:
l have personally carefully exam
ined into the evidence and arguments
submitted by the water usres' associa-
ton relative to abatement of the cost
OF the Uncompahgre reclamation prof.
ect and the general situation of the
water users upon the land in the prof
ect. and in accordance with our tenta-
tive understanding. / have to advise
that under existing law and condition
the best and only method which I can
find for assisting in the working out
of your problems is embodied in the
following provisions;
Q) That the project be operated
for five years from December 1, 1917,
by the water users. the latter to pay
during that time the actual cost OF op-
Grafton and maintenance.
(2) That at the end of that period,
unelss extended or modified by law, or
order of the Secretary of the Interior
public notice to issue and payment Of
construction charges to be made in ac
cordance with the reclamation exten-
sion act of August 13, 1914. or other
applicable law.
(3) That the recommendation of
the Central Board of Review be adopt
ed and s47,37O.S1 be eliminated from
the project cost; that the remaining
cost be divided by the number of acres
of private lands subject to irrigation,
plus the irrigable acreage of public
lands and the construction cost per
acre thereby ascertained; Provided,
that all private lands to be taken into
consideration herein shall be sub
scribed before August 1, 1917. 1t is
further understood that the associa.
tion may release the subscriptions of
those members having full or partia'
vested water rights or may make ad-
justments by credits, provided that th-
remaining lands and subscribers as
sumo and repay the project cost
(4) That all public irrigable lands
in the project shall be promptly open
ed to entry and water-right applica-
ton under applicable laws.
(5) That the Reclamation Service
shall do any necessary additional con-
struction work upon the tunnel or up
on the south canal, or other project
works, the cost Of such necessary work
to be added to the building charge.
(6) That at the option of the water
users association the entire project
and related works shall be turned over
to it for operation and maintenance
hereunder. or the canals and distrib-
uting systems shall SO be turned over.
the tunnel. diversion dam, and south
canal to be maintained and operated
by the United States, the annual oper-
alton and maintenance charges to be
paid pro rata by all lands irrigable un
der the project
G) That all future expenditures
by or on behalf of the United States
upon the project shall be made only
after consultation with the water US
ers association, and in the event Of
the failure OF the Reclamation Service
and the water users association to
agree with respect thereto, the matter
shall be carried to and decided by tho
Secretary Of the Interior
(s) The association will use its
powers and resources, cumulatively, II
necessary. including the power to
withhold the delivery Of water, to en-.
force the rules and regulations made
by the Secretary of the Interior unde
the provisions of law. or by the associ
alton under its articles Of incorpora-
tion and bylaws. for the proper care
operation and maintenance Of the prof.
ect and for carrying out the provisions
of this agreement If the enforcing
of any such rules and regulations shall
require the collection of any charges.
penalties or interest from persons
holding land the title to which has
not passed out of the United States.
the association shall report such cases
to the Secretary of the Interior who
will aid the association in enforcing
such collections by the cancellation Of
entries and water right applications
or by other means authorized by law
But failure on the part of the Secre-
tary OF the Interior to enforce such