WAYNE N. ASPINALL, M.C. / / FOURTH DISTRICT v COLORADO HOME ADDRESS: PALISADE, COLORADO SECRETARIES: HARRIET M. SHERIDAN NORMA BLEVINS LEE MCELVAIN
<!ongre~~ of tbt Wnittb ~tatt~
J,ouse of l\epresentatibes
l!la~bington,
119. (:.
January 24, 1962
William H. Nelson, Associate Editor
The Uaily Sentinel
Grand Junction, Colorado Dear Bill:
COMMITTEES:
INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS JOINT COMMITTEE ON ATOMIC ENERGY
I am very glad to be brought up-to-date as to developments at
verious water board meetings held in Colorado, and, also, as to present thinking by several people representing, or endeavoring to represent, Colorado in water resource matters.
I saw the release and resolution concerning the Basalt Project.
Of course, Bill, it would be foolish of me, after establishing the reputation I have had here for thirteen years, to try to tie the
Basalt Project at this time to the Fryingpan-Arkansas legislation.
Until we have the feasibility report there is nothing that we can
do. I think Phil Smith knows this, and I can't understand why
he would try to put me out on a limb as he has.
It is interesting to have the infonnation about attempts to
secure fish flows on the various projects in western Colorado.
Of course I am in favor of guaranteeing the continuous flow of sufficient water to protect the fish values, but it seems to me that Lhere are just too many proposals being made, and if we are
not careful, we may defeat our purposes.
As far as Elliott is concerned, I have never looked upon him
as a friend of either slope, particularly western Colorado. I
think he is interested in trying to grab a pile of money by what
I would describe as loop-holes in the water law of Colorado. If
he gets away with it he will be recognized as a shrewd manipulator
..
..
Page 2.
Mr. William H. Nelson January 24, 1962
Bill, as far as the water resource planning bill is concerned, it is still more or less in the making. A bill of this scope and importance is usually introduced in order to secure public reaction. Three years ago each governor was contacted on a similar proposition some favorably, some, otherwise. The present bill is an out-growth of that legislation, together with the proposal by the President. It is impossible to tell just what the final draft will be.
As soon as I have the time I shall be glad to try to get to you the list that you have requested. Of course, I think it can be found in the "do" and "do not" parts of my talk to the National Reclamation Association, as well as in the speech I gave last week
in Dallas before the Council of State Governments.
Miss Sheridan will send you the material you asked for in the memorandum that accompanied your letter.
With kind personal regards,
