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<br />.... <br />~ <br />{J" <br /> <br />2000 ANNUAL REPORT <br /> <br />The funding levels shown in Table 1 are needed to eliminate a current shortfall in the <br />implementation of measures for salinity control. Unlike other federal programs, the salinity <br />control program provides a significant amount of non-federal cost sharing. The states provide 30 <br />percent up-front cost-share from the Upper Basin Fund and Lower Basin Development Fund. In <br />addition to the states' cost-share, local farmers cost-share in the USDA on-farm program. The <br />non-federal participants (the states, landowners, irrigation districts, etc.) stand ready in the next <br />fiscal years to contribute their share of the program costs as an up-front payment. The Council <br />urges the federal agencies to vigorously pursue adequate funding to meet salinity reduction goals <br />and to allow timely implementation of the salinity control program in an aggressive and <br />cost-effective manner. <br /> <br />The funding levels identified in Table 1 are for the construction activities necessary to meet the <br />program objectives. The Council will forward these recommendations to the Congress and will <br />seek their support for maintaining adequate funding for the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control <br />Program. The Council wishes to emphasize that any shortfall in these funding levels will have to <br />be offset by increased funding needs in subsequent years. In addition, delays in the funding of the <br />salinity control program will result in much larger federal and non-federal expenditures to achieve <br />and maintain the water quality objectives for the Colorado River. <br /> <br />Again, it should be noted that the funding recommendations contained in Table 1 are for the <br />federal portion of project implementation costs only. The Council urges the agencies to provide <br />adequate funding to support operation and maintenance, technical and education assistance, <br />monitoring and evaluation of implemented projects and planning for future projects. The Council <br />recommends that funds for these activities be provided in addition to the funds recommended in <br />Table 1. <br /> <br />COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL <br />11 <br />