This is lengthy, but it offers some idea what V/D would probably be up against. Getting water in AZ. is not impossible. But it is certainly a lengthy and costly process with no guarantees at the conclusion. I personally have over the years travelled and spent many winter seasons in Cal, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. (I highly recommend NM, What a fantastic state)
First as mentioned is Rosemont.
Then Resolution ( at Superior Az.) owned by deep pocketed BHP and the expense they had to do. And it is still being opposed and fought against.
The Florence In-Situ copper project has been embroiled in legal challenges for 5 years or more. It is now majority owned by a larger firm. (owners of BC's Prosperity mine) The Native Indians, farmers and community as a whole is trying to stop it. Hundreds of people came from numerous different communities showed up at a meeting in Florence to oppose the mine.
Native's still holding to this position:
bsnorrell.blogspot.ca
Backed by Legislation:
" Following approval by Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, the largest Indian water rights settlement in U.S. history is now fully in effect, to resolve critical water use issues facing tribal communities and the State of Arizona. The legislation, approved by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2004, was fully implemented. Dec. 10, 2007, finishing all actions necessary to complete the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement and amend the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982, involving the Tohono O’odham Nation."
Both of these projects along with Van Dyke, are in the same distance proximity within a triangle drawn from Tucson, Globe and Phoenix. V/D at Miami is only 20 miles or less from Superior as the crow flies.
arizonadailyindependent.com
Lastly if New Mexico moves forward here it will further put water supply pressure those downstream all the way to where it joins the American Canal in Yuma going to El Centro.
C&P:
" The Gila has managed to escape the fate of other southwestern rivers that have been dammed and diverted to supply cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. That may change. This month, the state hopes to get approval from the Interior Department to move forward with a plan to build a major diversion on the Gila that will siphon billions of gallons of water each year away from the river and the habitats it supports, and pipe it to farms and towns across southwestern part of the state. "
I wonder if CUU is willing to go to the expense these others have. Like Resolution building 27 miles of water pipeline for farmers to gain support from some of them. With no given line to conclusion or guarantees at the end.
Should Elmer should choose to take on the fight. Where does that $ Ms come from to do it ? |
