Railroads in national defense: There are four main railway lines which connect the Pacific coast with the Middle West and thence the Atlantic coast. They are (1) the Santa Fe Railway, (2) Southern Pacific Railway, (3) Union Pacific Railway, and (4) the Great Northern Railway.

As was well indicated during the early part of World War II, when important movements of troops and supplies are involved, each of these transcontinental railroad links is of vital national importance. The Santa Fe Railway main lines from Chicago to the Pacific coast, the northerly route via La Junta to Albuquerque, and the southerly route via Amarillo and Belen, as well as the line south from Albuquerque to El Paso, pass directly through the territory nvolved in the projected plan.

Reiterating, it has been pointed out that any interruption of the Santa Fe's service in a time of national emergency might have critical effect upon national activities, and most particularly upon the activities of the atomic bases located in Albuquerque and New Mexico. In conclusion, the emergency nature of the legislation involving this project has been fully demonstrated by our brief prepared in charts, graphs, and colored maps.

On behalf of the Middle Rio Grande Flood Control Association, I join with the other witnesses in urging favorable action on the request for additional authorizations under the approved comprehensive plan for flood control and reclamation in the middle Rio Grande Basin. The Chairman. Thank you very much, Mr. Murphy?

Any questions?

I want to insert in the record now the report of the Bureau of the Budget approving not only the amount required under the bill for the Army engineers but also the amount required by the Department of the Interior.

I want to insert another letter of approval from the Department of the Army signed by Gordon Gray, Under Secretary of the Army, and also a letter from the Department of the Interior, approving the neasure, and also a letter from the Atomic Energy Commission. Reports of the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of the Budget, and forwarding letter of the Department of the Army, on the port of the Corps of Engineers, are also included. (The letters referred to are as follows:)

EXECUTIVE OFFICE of the President,

BUREAU OF THE BUDGET, Washington, D. C., April 12, 1949. MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 16, 1948, submitting a copy of the report of the Chief of Engineers on a preinary examination and survey of the Rio Grande and tributaries, New Mexico, thorized by the Flood Control Act approved August 18, 1941.

The report recommends that the comprehensive plan proposed therein for the velopment of the Rio Grande and tributaries in New Mexico be approved and at the flood-control phase of the plan, consisting of the Chiflo, Chamita, and Inez Canyon Dams and Reservoirs, and the Rio Grande and Bluewater floodays, be authorized for construction by the Federal Government at an estimated x-t of $75,665,800. The proposed plan is designed not only to prevent the usual ypes of flood damage encountered in river valleys but also to prevent further Sterioration of the agricultural and urban properties of the valley as a result of ver-bed aggradations and to return the existing irrigation project to maximum rductivity.

It is noted that the comprehensive plan was developed as a result of coordinated tudies by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers and that it is

based on a joint agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of War, dated July 25, 1947, setting forth the major features of the proposed corprehensive plan and indicating the agency which is to be responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of each major feature. Under the agree ment, the improvements to El Vado Reservoir, the Rio Grande channel rectification operations, the irrigation and project rehabilitation work, and drainage rehabilitation and extension work would be the responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation. Construction of the three dams and reservoirs and levees along the floodways for local flood protection would be undertaken by the Corps of Engineers.

Other phases of the program are under study by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Geological Survey of the Department of the Interior, and by the Department of Agriculture, but their final reports and conclusions are not yet available. However, it is noted that the joint agreement "recognizes that there is an important need for supplementary measures for the control of soil erosion and for retardation of run-off in the watersheds which at now being investigated by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior. Current plans are sufficiently flexible that they can be full coordinated with any programs for watershed treatment which may be institute by appropriate Federal or local agencies." Provision for future hydroelectric power is also made in the agreement.

It is gratifying to note the high degree of coordination that has been achieved between the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation in the develonment of the comprehensive plan for this river basin. Both agencies are deserving of commendation for such achievement. It is noted, however, that your report recognizes the incompleteness of the recommended plan without the inelusion of measures for control of soil erosion and for retardation of run-off in the watershed and that the agreement makes provision for inclusion of those measures when they are finally developed. It is suggested that careful attention be given to the pla of the Department of Agriculture and of the other agencies concerned, regarding such upstream flood-control measures, when they are completed, in order that the over-all program for the basin may have maximum effectiveness. With resp to the benefits ascribed to the flood-control phases of the plan, it is noted w satisfaction that silt control has been evaluated in terms of the specific benefits to the area resulting from such control, rather than as a benefit or end prod in itself.

T

Certain questions and objections have been raised by the States of Texas an Colorado regarding the need for the amount of storage proposed in the plan a also respecting the plan of operation of the several reservoirs after completion Other problems are pointed out by the State of New Mexico regarding the righ to excess stored water which, in the absence of the proposed dams and prior completion of the San Luis Valley project in the upper Rio Grande Basin Colorado, would be spilled from Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs. first of these objections appears to have been provided for, at least temporar by Congress when it excluded the Chiflo Dam from the approved plan. matter of ownership of excess water must be settled in any case in accordance wi the provisions of the Rio Grande Compact. On this point, it is noted that tain additional restrictions on construction of the project are contained in ** congressional act and also that the joint agreement provides that coordina operation of the works to be provided under the plan be in strict accordance wi the compact, and that adjustments in the plan of operation can be made accordance with this objective.

I

The comprehensive plan proposed in the report of the Chief of Engineer t already been approved by Congress in the Flood Control Act of 1948, with exception of Chiflo Dam, which has been deleted from the approved plan. with the addition of certain minor restrictions to insure compliance with th Grande compact. You are accordingly advised that, while there would r objection to the submission of the report to Congress, authorization of the C: Dam would not be in accord with the program of the President at this time Copies of this letter are being sent to the Secretary of the Interior an: Secretary of Agriculture for their information.

Sincerely yours,

The Honorable the SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

FRANK PACE, Jr., Direc

(through the budget officer for the Department of the Army).

The SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

JUNE 10, 1949.

DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I am transmitting herewith a report dated April 5, 1948, from the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, together with accompanying papers and an illustration, on a preliminary examination and survey of the Rio Grande and tributaries, New Mexico, authorized by the Flood Control Act approved on August 18, 1941. The Flood Control Act of June 30, 1948, approved a project for the Rio Grande and tributaries, New Mexico, which includes along with other works the improvements recommended in the report with the exception of Chiflo Dam.

In accordance with section 1 of Public Law 534, Seventy-eighth Congress, copies of the proposed report of the Chief of Engineers were furnished the Secretary of the Interior, the Governors of the States of Colorado and New Mexico, and the board of water engineers, Austin, Tex., which has been designated by the Governor of Texas to act as his representative under the provisions of this act. Copies of the report were also furnished the Federal Power Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and the Commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission, El Paso, Tex., for their comments. The comments of the three States and the various Federal agencies are set forth in the inclosed communications.

The comments of the Bureau of the Budget are herewith; and that agency advises that, while there is no objection to the submission of the report to Congress, authorization of the Chiflo Dam would not be in accord with the program of the President at this time. The comments of the Bureau are contained in the inclosed copy of letter dated April 12, 1949.

Sincerely yours,

GORDON GRAY, Under Secretary of the Army.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

Lt. Gen. R. A. WHEELER,

Chief of Engineers, War Department.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, Washington, D. C., March 31, 1948.

MY DEAR GENERAL WHEELER: By letter dated November 21, 1947 (file ENGWF), you transmitted for the information and comments of the Department of the Interior, copies of your proposed report on a preliminary examination and Sarvey of the Rio Grande and tributaries, New Mexico, together with reports of the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors and of the district and division gineers.

Concurrent with the transmittal of your report, the proposed report of the cretary of the Interior on the middle Rio Grande project, New Mexico, was transmitted to the Secretary of the Army, to the members of the Federal InterAgency River Basin Committee, and to the affected States, including the State Conservation officials of New Mexico, for their views and recommendations. The two reports appear to be well coordinated on a comprehensive plan of development for the middle Rio Grande Basin and reflect the high degree of operation that obtained between the Department of the Army, the Department of the Interior, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the Rio Grande Compact Commission, the affected States, and other Federal and local interests the investigations and negotiations leading up to the formulation of the plan That is set forth.

An analysis of your proposed report indicates that the reservoir system, if rated as proposed, would complement the irrigation and sediment-control pects with which the Bureau of Reclamation is concerned. However, because Se protection and stabilization of agriculture and economic development in the ddle Rio Grande Valley require comprehensive treatment and cannot be hieved by either the flood control or the reclamation phase alone, it is essential at this point be made eminently clear in the final reports of both the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Interior. The two reports, together cover entire comprehensive plan which should be undertaken in accordance with lent agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the Army on a unified plan for control of floods, irrigation, and use of water in the mile Rio Grande Basin in New Mexico," dated July 25, 1947.

The reservoir capacities for flood control at Chiflo, Chamita, and Jemez, gether with the design maximum flow to be allowed to pass down the main channel, were determined by the Corps of Engineers. In recognition of the

responsibility of the Corps of Engineers for the flood-control function to which these determinations primarily relate in the reports as prepared, the Bureau of Reclamation accepted the decision of the Corps of Engineers in these matters. No recommendation is made for authorization of power projects in the proposed reports of either agency. However, power development at the Chiflo and Chami's sites may ultimately become feasible through savings of water or through impor tation of Colorado River water to the Rio Chama.

It is essential, as provided in the agreement above referred to, that coordinated reservoir operations be agreed upon by the Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Relamation, and the States of Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, to assure flood control and deliveries of water in full compliance with the provisions of the Ri Grande compact.

As agreed by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the Army. the Bureau of Reclamation should construct the channel-rectification works The establishment of the final plan would properly be accomplished by the Bureau of Reclamation in cooperation with the Corps of Engineers and with such modification as would be warranted based on detailed studies. In this conneetion, it is possible that reservoirs on the Rio Puerco and Rio Salado may eventuair be needed in addition to dredging above Elephant Butte Reservoir, but they are not recommended for construction at the present time.

In addition to the Bureau of Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the National Park Service are vitally interested in the middle Rio Grande project as it may affect their particular interests.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has reviewed the report and is appreciative of the sympathetic understanding that has been given to some of the problems involving fish and wildlife conservation. It is noted that certain modifications and plans as recommended by the Fish and Wildlife Service have been include 1 in the estimate of project costs. These modifications will reduce, to some extent, the net annual loss to fish and wildlife. It is noted also that detailed engineering plans for fish and wildlife development will be prepared eventually by the Cor of Engineers with the Fish and Wildlife Service acting in an advisory capacity Since the final working plans for operating the project have not been complet 1, it is obvious that thorough consideration cannot be given to the fish and wild.fe problems until this information is available. For similar reasons the Fish and Wildlife Service has been able to prepare only preliminary evaluation reports When final operating schedules are available, the Fish and Wildlife Service wi appreciate an opportunity to make more complete studies of means and measures of mitigating the losses of fish and wildlife.

As now proposed, the plan of development would result in substantial benefitto the middle Rio Grande Valley and its resources excepting fish and wildfe In this particular field the losses, estimated at $275,000 annually, would represe if a real and substantial loss to the economy of the States of New Mexico and Colorado. Therefore, it is suggested that to the extent practicable the prove." be provided with means for maintaining fish and wildlife values at not less that present-day levels and that all practical and feasible steps be explored to forests restore, or offset such losses, and that such means as are found to be feasible r the accomplishment of this objective be carried forward in the development of the project, pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 732, Seventy-ninth Congr It is the hope of the National Park Service that recreational development of th project may be made in accordance with recommendations of that Service whe have been incorporated in your report as appendix G.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is deeply concerned with the proposed Bluewater floodway because of its possible affect upon the limited water supply that is nos available to the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos in the Bluewater Basin. Tes Bureau points out that as a result of the storage of water and diversions fe irrigation which have taken place above the Pueblos, the only source of water supply now available to the Indians is derived from springs along the channel if the river which, for the greater part, is believed to be the accumulated outflise of ground water from the upstream valley fill. Since the construction of the proposed Bluewater floodway may affect the sources of water from which the Acoma and Laguna Pueblos now obtain their water supplies, the Bureau of Indian Affairs requests that opportunity be afforded to negotiate agreements with tra Corps of Engineers with respect to distribution of ground and surface wate prior to the construction of the Bluewater floodway. I am advised informa that such a proposal is satisfactory to your office and that it will be made of your report.

Two other matters of concern to the Bureau of Indian Affairs are related to the maintenance and operation of the levee and pumping plant in connection with the Santa Ana Pueblo, and the matter of location of levees, channels, and other works within the various Indian pueblos.

It is understood that the levee and pumping plant in connection with the Santa Ana Pueblo would be considered a part of the Jemez Reservoir project and therefore, in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the Flood Control Act approved December 22, 1944, they would be maintained and operated by the Federal Government without obligation on the part of the Santa Ana Pueblo, and that in accordance with regular procedures, surveys, and operations on the various pueblos would be a matter of negotiations between your office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Indians. In connection with the Indian problems, I am pleased to advise you that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is most appreciative of the sincerity and desire of the Corps of Engineers to be fair and to deal cooperatively with the Indians of the various pueblos.

As the project is carried forward, continuing coordination and refining adjustments of the technical details of the two complementary plans will be essential. Your consideration of the suggestions enumerated herein in the preparation of your final report will be appreciated. It is a source of satisfaction to me that two Federal Departments have been able to formulate a coordinated joint plan of development for the middle Rio Grande Basin, N. Mex., and I am pleased to recommend that authorization be sought for a comprehensive plan of development as outlined in the proposed reports.

Sincerely yours,

WILLIAM E. WARNE, Assistant Secretary of the Interior.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,

BUREAU OF THE BUDGET, Washington, D. C., May 18, 1949.

Hon. DENNIS CHAVEZ,

Chairman, Committee on Public Works,

United States Senate, Washington, D. C.

MY DEAR SENATOR CHAVEZ: This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 25, 1949, inviting the Bureau of the Budget to comment on S. 1392, authorizing appropriations for the comprehensive plan for the Rio Grande Basin, N. Mex.

The project for the Middle Rio Grande Basin was approved in the Flood Control Act of 1948, and $3,500,000 was authorized to be appropriated for expenditure by the Department of the Army for partial accomplishment of the comprehensive plan. This proposal would authorize the appropriation of $38,000,000 additional to the Department of the Army, and $15,000,000 to the Department of the Interior for the prosecution of the project.

Inasmuch as the bill does not actually appropriate any further funds, but merely authorizes additional appropriations for the accomplishment of the project, this Office is not aware of any reason why the legislation should not receive the favorable consideration of the Congress.

DEAR SENATOR CHAVEZ: Reference is made to your request for a report on Senate bill 1392, authorizing appropriations for the comprehensive plan for the Rio Grande Basin, N. Mex.

The purpose of the bill is to authorize to be appropriated, in addition to previous authorizations, the sum of $38,000,000 to be expended by the Department of the Army and $15,000,000 to be expended by the Interior Department for prosecution of the comprehensive plan for the Rio Grande Basin as approved by the Flood Control Act of June 30, 1948, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in that act. The total estimated Federal cost of the part of this plan to be con