Intergovernmental Planning of Water Resources a

The need for a Federal role in the water resources development of the United States was recognized early in its history. The 20th century has seen a dramatic acceleration of activity in the water resources development field, with a concomitant increase in Federal participation. By 1960 the need for coordinating the many Federal programs in water planning and related resources development became apparent. A Senate Select Committee on National Water Resources was formed. The Committee's report was the basis for the Water Resources Research Act of 1964 and the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965. The objective of the Water Resources Planning Act is to provide for optimum development of water resources through the Water Resources Council and several River Basin Commissions, and by providing financial assistance to the States in order to increase State participation in water resources planning. A Council report on the Ohio River Basin will be published soon; this should be followed by the Missouri Rivet Basin report before 1970. The completion of reports for all major river basins has been scheduled for the mid 1970's. These framework studies include population, economic development, and water supply and water use data projected as far as the year 2020. The Water Resources Council also prepares a biennial assessment of the adequacy of supplies of water necessary to meet the requirements in each water resource region in the United States. For this purpose a river basin model is being prepared to determine probabilities of deficiencies and quality requirements in 300 basins, and economic concepts for determination of optimum water use alternatives are being incorporated in the model. Another assignment to the Council under Title I of the Water Resources Planning Act is the preparation of guidelines for all Federal participants in comprehensive regional water planning, and for the formulation and evaluation of Federal water resources projects of all types. The Council also is working on specific proposals for improved floodplain management. Title II of the Act authorizes the President to establish river basin commissions at the request of one or more States and with concurrence by the Council. Title III provides a basis for increased participation by the States in water planning by granting of matching funds. All but two States are now taking part in the State Grant program.