Show House Mouse Appropriations Comm Committee okays okays' 30 million for drought emergencies A surprise 30 million for tor drought emergency projects million for p payments In lieu of ot taxes funding Cund ng 10 million for fora a new Metallurgy Research Center in Salt Lake City and 4 million for Cor immediate drought relief-all relief were approved by the House Appropriations Commit Com Corn mit lee last week reported Congressman Gunn McKay DUtah DUtah D D- Utah The full Appropriations Committee added the 30 million to the Bureau of Reclamation budget without subcommittee hearings and according to McKay intended it as a palliative for westerners whose water and dams are both taking a long time getting here I think Congress and especially the Appropriations Committee is becoming Increasingly increasingly increasingly in In- aware of the critical water shortage in the West So much so said McKay that the inertia is now moving in our favor Cavor He lie also indicated that sen sen- sentiment sentiment sentiment against cancellation of ot western water projects may h have ve greased the the skids for tor forthe forthe the 30 million sum McKay said the funds would be paid back over a period of ot years by water conservancy districts who would invest the money In water shortage generation and distribution projects McKay said the 4 million for Cor drought relief he requested of the ULM in subcommittee AIL hearings will be spent for tor watershed management In Utah Nevada Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon The million payments In lieu of taxes package met opposition opposition opposition op op- op- op position in the committee from those seeking a 25 million reduction It passed 1 however and according to McKay will go to the floor for Cor a fight We should win it easily however said McKay Utah counties will net almost 6 million in payments from the government for federally owned tax exempt lands Payments will range from for tor Box Elder County to for Morgan County Should it pass money would become available In mid August The Committee also approved 10 million for Cor the Salt Lake Metallurgy Research Center to replace one on the University of Utah campus According to McKay this action ends a four year struggle with the Administration Ad d. ministration for funds to construct construct construct con con- the new facility I |