WSP10572

• File Number: 8021
• Description: Section D General Studies - Western States Water Council
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 1/1/3000
• Author: Daniel V McCarthy
• Title: Presentation to the WSWC on Implementing the Regional Provisions of the Colorado River Basin Act
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

O"''''f)'):=:
U v.... ~ J

.

.

"The investigations and studies under this title do not end
with submission of this initial report in 1977, This is only
the first phase, It is intended that following the completion
of this phase of the investigations and studies, the Secre-
tary shall continue, pursuant to existing authority, to pursue
vigorously the stated objective of section 201 which is to de
develop a general plan to meet the future water needs of the
entire Western United States, He is expected to make such
recommendations wiTh respect to feasibility studies as are
justified and appropriate, including feasibility studies of
augmentation opportunities within the Colorado River Basin
States, Also, it is intended that the Secretary, when the
la-year moratorium on studies of importation from outside
the Colorado Basin States comes to an end, will conduct such
additional reconnaissance investigations as are justified of
importation from outside the Colorado River Basin States and
make such recommendations with respect to feasibility studies
as are warranted, He will do this pursuant to existing authority
and in the light of the investigations and studies he has com-
pleted up to that time,"

The remarks of Representative Aspinall and Senator Jackson on the floor
of the House and the Senate, respectively, in explaining the intent of
the study directive are a reiteration of the express ions of the conference
re port,

From the language of the Act and from the legislative history certain
things are clear:

1, The charter lssued to the Secretary of the Interior is broad,

2, Initial studies are to be reconnaissance in character,

3, The area of study comprises the eleven western states with,
in all probability, major emphasis on that portion of the
area west of the Continental Divide,

4, Duplication of the work of interdepartmental river basin
commissions and regional planning commissions is to be
avoided,

5. There shall be broad coordination of the studies with States,
other Federal agencies, study commissions, and the Western
States Water Council.

6, Initial activity shall be directed toward determining water
supplies available and long-range water requirements,

- 3 -