"We want this dam. It will not destroy any valuable resource or scenic or other asset. In fact, it will be of great scenic and recreational value. We are convinced that the Echo Park Dam site is far superior to any other for the purpose of putting Utah’s share of Colorado water to beneficial use. And we think it is time the matter were regarded as settled, with no more official uncertainty and hesitation."
–Salt Lake Telegram 12/11/1951 “Proving Utah Wants Echo Park Dam”
With new fame, the Bureau focused their attention on the Colorado River, a promising area of future development. Dams were planned to be built at various locations along the river. The first of these dams, Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam) was built in 1928. With the success of the Hoover Dam, plans for building more dams were soon underway. The Bureau advertised their project in explaining that the dam projects would create hundreds of jobs for the communities nearby and strengthen their economies, as well as providing water storage, irrigation, and hydro-electric power. This gained the support of the Upper Basin states, and stirred up excitement in small towns like Vernal, UT.
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"Our hope is that within a very short time action will be taken on the Echo park dam. Construction of the giant project will mean another influx of workers, another demand for housing and consumer goods and services. Then when the dam is complete, electric power will allow industry to come into its own. More water will be available for some new land and will make other land in the area more productive." |