STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES S. GUBSER ON H.R. 485 AND RELATED BILLS Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I appreciate the opportunity of making a very brief presentation in favor of H.R. 485 by Representative Johnson, and related bills, which would authorize construction of the Auburn-Folsom South unit of the American River project. Though I do not represent the area which will directly benefit from construction of this project, I feel that its construction is in the overall best interest of the State of California. The crucial water needs of California can only be solved through an orderly step-by-step reclamation program. Congress and the Bureau of Reclamation have done remarkable work in carrying on such a program through construction of the Central Valley and other projects in California. In addition, the State of California has embarked upon an ambitious water conservation program which will complement Federal construction. I know it is not necessary to impress this committee with the fantastic growth which has taken place in California and the water needs which have grown almost with geometric progression. With this growth, it is essential that the progress of water development in California continue without delay. For this reason, I wholeheartedly join other Californians in urging you to favorably consider H.R. 485. STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE GEORGE P. MILLER, OF CALIFORNIA, RELATIVE TO H.R. 485 Mr. Chairman, it is a privilege to appear before this subcommittee in support of H.R. 485 and companion bills, including H.R. 3393, which I have introduced. I have long been interested in the development of the American River and have worked toward this goal. As a matter of fact, I introduced the first bill proposing the construction of the Folsom Dam and Reservoir. The late Senator Clair Engle was chairman of the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee and saw the legislation through to enactment. The Folsom Dam and Reservoir has been a very successful operation, providing flood control, conservation of water, generation of power, and recreation. In California, as with the rest of the Nation, an ever-increasing population boom makes it imperative that water be put to every possible use before it runs off to the sea. We can no longer overlook the beneficial uses of water for irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, recreation, and enhancement of new fish and wildlife. This legislation will be a sound investment in America's future. I respectfully urge favorable consideration of H.R. 485, and I hope final passage by the House of Representatives will be accomplished at the earliest possible date. (The resolutions and statements submitted by Mr. Johnson follow:) RESOLUTION No. 65-87. A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE AUBURN-FOLSOM SOUTH UNIT, AMERICAN RIVER DIVISION, CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT AND Urging PASSAGE OF H.R. 485 and RELATED BILLS Whereas there are now before the U.S. House of Representatives, introduced by Hon. Harold T. Johnson, H.R. 485 and related bills which would authorize the Auburn-Folsom South unit, American River division, Central Valley project; and Whereas the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee has scheduled hearings on H.R. 485 and related bills for March 29 and 30, 1965; and Whereas the said Auburn-Folsom South unit will benefit the people of Placer County by providing a source of water for Western Placer County, by eliminating the necessity for the Placer County Water Agency having to pump its Middle Fork American River project water from the American River into western Placer County, and by providing recreational benefits to the people of Placer County and the surrounding areas: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Placer, State of California, That said board supports the Auburn-Folsom South unit, American River division, Central Valley project and urges the approval of H.R. 485 and related bills, authorizing said unit. The foregoing Resolution was duly passed by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Placer at a regular meeting thereof on the 16th day of March 1965, by the following vote on rollcall: Ayes: Supervisors George A. Lambert, Will Jones, Frank J. Paoli, William S. Briner, and Robert Radovich. Noes: None. Absent: None. Signed and approved by me after its passage this 16th day of March 1965. (Signed) ROBERT RADOVICH, Chairman, Placer County Board of Supervisors. Attest: MAURINE I. DOBRAS, By ELYNOR O'MALLEY, Deputy Clerk. The foregoing instrument is a correct copy of the original on file in this office March 16, 1965. Attest: [SEAL] County Clerk and Ex-officio Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the MAURINE I. DOBRAS, ELYNOR O'MALLEY, Deputy Clerk. STATEMENT OF CLARENCE A. REEVES, COUNCILMAN, AND CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE, CITY OF AUBURN, Calif. I appeared on behalf of the City Council of the City of Auburn relative to this matter on May 4 and 5, 1964, and do hereby submit the following statement: Portions of the proposed reservior will be situated in the city limits of Auburn. So, with a personal knowledge of the project, I hereby indicate our very strong support of H.R. 485, to authorize the Auburn-Folsom South unit of the Central Valley project, and urge your approval of the bill. As the county seat of a diversified county which is growing with heavy urban and industrial development in the southwest, with increased agriculture in the northwestern portion, and heavy recreation in the mountainous eastern portion of the county, the city has a broad interest in all of the benefits which will be derived from construction of the project. Many of the facets of the project will be covered by other witnesses, so to avoid duplication and in the interest of saving time for the committee, I have condensed my statement here today to place emphasis on the tremendous recreational benefits which will accrue not only to our immediate area, but to the surrounding counties, the State and the Nation. At the present time the American River Basin is rapidly being developed into a recreation corridor ranging from Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers to the crest of the Sierra Nevadas, including the world renowned Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe. This area now serves a varied and growing metropolitan region. The facilities that can be provided at Auburn will make a significant contribution to this recreation complex with a statewide impact. Folsom Reservior facilities attracted 2,861,264 visitor-days of recreation use in 1963-an annual increase, of nearly 30 percent over 1962, according to figures from the California Division of Beaches and Parks, which operate the largest of the public facilities on the lake. The proposed Auburn Reservior will enhance the existing facilities at Folsom and the use of both reservoirs will be required to help meet the ultimate demands for water-oriented recreationists in northern California. According to the recently released Placer County outdoor recreation plan there will be a deficit of water surface areas in Placer County by 1985 for recreational use--even with Auburn Reservoir. Over 6 million people reside within 150 miles of the Auburn-Folsom Reservoir complex. The pressure of future demands upon Folsom Reservoir will create overuse conditions harmful to the operation of the Folsom project and the surrounding community. Due to the gently sloping shoreline in many places in the Folsom area, unsightly mudflats are visible during a large portion of the recreation season, and pose difficulty in launching boats and in otherwise obtaining safe access to the water. However, the National Park Service, investigating this aspect of the project for the Bureau of Reclamation, points out that with Auburn Reservoir in operation, the present circumstances will be improved by reducing the average drawdown of Folsom Reservoir to a mere 27 feet during peak recreational use. In view of the proposed method of operation of the two reservoirs, the resultant recreational services possible will serve both the visitor and the permanent resident of the region in several ways, not the least of which is esthetic satisfaction. The Park Service further states, that under the favorable operating conditions predicated on construction of Auburn Reservoir, the visitor-day use at Folsom will reach its maximum potential of about 10 million annually within the next 20 years. The primary uses at Folsom are pleasure boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, picnicking, sightseeing, and sunbathing. Camping presently is not allowed in the Folsom Lake area, although the operating agency plans to install such facilities in the near future. The reservoir to be formed by Auburn Dam would be greatly different in character and appeal for the recreational user. Rather than a large, broad body of water as is Folsom Lake, it would consist of long narrow arms of water extending far into an area of steep, forestcovered, scenic canyons. This characteristic further enhances comparison and value. The Park Service estimates a future visitor-day use of Auburn Reservoir of 5 million annually, provided proper access is made available. Certainly, camping, picnicking, hiking will be major attractions, as well as boat trips far up the scenic canyon arms of the reservoir into areas hitherto inaccessible. I believe, as does the Park Service, that visitor-day forecasts are conservative in view of increasing availability of leisure time, the growth of the surrounding metropolitan areas, and the unprecedented popularity of boating. I am convinced that the day is past when the Nation or the State can afford not to develop the full potential of the few remaining good dam and reservoir sites. The growing need for water supply, for stabilization of energy for hydroelectric power, for flood control, and for recreational opportunities clearly demonstates this point. In summary, authorization and construction of the Auburn-Folsom south unit would produce tremendous recreational benefits both to our city and county and most certainly to a vast urban population in the valleys below. Recreation is a beneficial use of water along with irrigation, domestic power and flood control. In fact our recreation formulations may be one of our most significant contributions to the future. The city of Auburn strongly supports the Auburn-Folsom south unit and urges that your committee aprove H.R. 485 to authorize the unit. I thank you for the opportunity of appearing before you. RESOLUTION No. 868. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, CALIF. In support of the Auburn-Folsom south unit of the Federal Central Valley project-H.R. 485 and companion bills Whereas the city of Auburn did and continues to urge early authorization of this project which is vitally needed to areas in northern and central California for the purpose of providing flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife, irrigation, municipal, and power purposes; and Whereas this project has been before the Congress of the United States under a previous report for more then 4 years; and Whereas extensive hearings were held in 1962, 1963, and again in 1964, by the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate Subcommittees on Interior and Insular Affairs; and Whereas studies have found the revised Auburn Dam-Folsom south project to be financially feasible and economically justified: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the city of Auburn requests the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives to approve pending legislation to authorize said project. Carried unanimously. Attest: [SEAL] VERNE FELLOWS, Mayor. FLORENCE LADECK, City Clerk. STATEMENT OF DR. THOMAS J. ROSSITTO, PRESIDENT OF THE AUBURN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE In support of H.R. 485 and companion bills, to authorize the Auburn-Folsom south unit of the Central Valley project We respectfully submit to you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, the resolution adopted by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce favoring the Auburn-Folsom south canal unit of the Central Valley project. This Auburn-Folsom south unit truly represents comprehensive development of a natural resource. The water which will be impounded by this immense project will irrigate land, generate electricity, provide greater recreational facilities and serve the domestic water needs of the people in the area as well as control the waters of the river and prevent flood conditions in the Central Valley areas. The Auburn Reservoir itself when developed will provide a great deal of recreational opportunities to the people of northern California. As an addition to California's fast growing recreational demands the Auburn unit will maintain the Folsom Reservoir at a desirable level during the tourist season and thus greatly enhance its value. The history of California shows it is constantly in need of water and in more recent years in need of new waterways for healthy recreation. The people's demand for domestic water, power, flood control, and recreation simply cannot go unheeded. The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce sincerely hopes that your committee will fully support the proposed project and favorably approve the legislation. THOMAS J. ROSSITTO, M.D. Dated March 25, 1965. STATEMENT OF DR. THOMAS J. ROSSITTO, PRESIDENT OF THE AUBURN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE In support of H.R. 485 and companion bills to authorize the Auburn-Folsom South Unit of the Central Valley project We respectfully submit to you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, the resolution adopted by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce favoring the Auburn-Folsom South Canal unit of the Central Valley project. This Auburn-Folsom South unit truly represents comprehensive development of a natural resource. The water which will be impounded by this immense project will irrigate land, generate electricity, provide greater recreational facilities and serve the domestic water needs of the people in the area as well as control the waters of the river and prevent flood conditions in the Central Valley areas. The Auburn Reservoir itself when developed will provide a great deal of recreational opportunities to the people of northern California. As an addition to California's fast growing recreational demands the Auburn unit will maintain the Folsom Reservoir at a desirable level during the tourist season and thus greatly enhance its value. The history of California shows it is constantly in need of water and in more recent years in need of new waterways for healthy recreation. The people's demand for domestic water, power, flood control, and recreation simply cannot go unheeded. The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce sincerely hopes that your committee will fully support the proposed project and favorably approve the legislation. THOMAS J. ROSSITTO, M.D. Dated: March 25, 1965. RESOLUTION Whereas the Congress of the United States has before it the revised report recommending the early authorization of the Auburn Dam-Folsom south canal unit of the Federal Central Valley project; and Whereas this project has been before the Congress of the United States under a previous report for a number of years; and Whereas the facilities to be constructed under this project are vitally needed to supply water to areas within Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, and San Joaquin Counties; and Whereas these facilities are necessary for the full development of the American River as part of the Federal Central Valley project and they will also provide additional much needed flood control, as was evidenced this past year, along the lower reaches of the American River, the Sacramento River, and within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; and Whereas recreation is an important and beneficial use of water along with irrigation, domestic power, and flood control; and Whereas the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce has in the past urged early authorization of this project which is vitally needed to areas in northern and central California for the purposes of providing flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife. power, irrigation, and municipal water supplies: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce urges the appropriate committees of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to authorize said project and urge the early construction of this facility; and be it further Resolved, That copies of this resolution be forwarded to those public officials concerned. THOMAS J. ROSSITTO, M.D., President, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, Auburn, Calif. Auburn-Folsom South project H.R. 485 has enthusiastic support of this association which comprises some 60 publicly owned utilities serving over 70 percent of California citizens. Regard provisions in your bill providing for increase in generating facilities from 200 to 400 megawatts as highly important basic facilities for 400 megawatts should be installed initially. Additional peaking capacity will be used and can be sold between 1975 and 1980. We ask that this expression of our support of 485 and urging of additional generating capacity be incorporated into the record of the hearing before the House Subcommittee on Irrigation and Reclamation. NORMANE WOODBUERY, California Municipal Utilities Association. CALIFORNIA FARM RESEARCH AND LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, Hon. WAYNE ASPINALL, Hearings on H.R. 485 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate, and maintain the Auburn-Folsom South unit, American River division. Central Valley project, California, under Federal reclamation laws, and related hills, March 29 and 30, 1965. (Courtesy, Representative Harold J. Johnson, Member of Congress, 2d District of California.) The California Farm Research and Legislative Committee, now entering its 25th year, asks favorable action on H.R. 485, Johnson and related bills to expedite the Auburn-Folsom South unit to authorize this long-delayed project in this session of the 89th Congress. We have gone back in our files to a release from the U.S. Department of Interior dated December 13, 1960, which states in part: |
