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f:'-'),~ Li v 1..1....... ~ . . . These are some of the studies that will be under way during the next ten years relating to the augmentation of the Colorado River. Other studies relating to other water short areas such as the Great Basin must also be undertaken if the broad charter of Title II of the Colorado River Basin Project Act is to be realized, I would like to call your attention to a major problem which we will face and which will receive high priority consideration in formulating our study plans -- that is how best to bring the affected States, the Western States Water Council, other Federal agencies, and other planning groups into the overall study effort, This surely is essenti.al, Representative Aspinall expressed it well in his recent address to ihe National Reclamation Assoc- iation when he said: "If this planning effort is to succeed, the States themselves must negotiate their differences and make the decisions and the necessary agreements with respect to water use in the west. All states, agencies, groups, and individuals involved in water planning must work together with a common objective if we are to achieve success," As to organization of the reconnaissance study I expect that we will establish a small directional and coordinating group in a central location in the West. I expect also that the existing planning organizati.ons in our seven regions will be used to the maximum practical extent, Establish- ment of the organizational pattern to be followed will be a primary con- sideration at our January meeting, In summary we have a broad charter and a broader challenge, We have an opportunity for creative pianning of new scope and new dimensions, To achieve success we realize that we must have not only the cooperation of the Western States and other water resources planning groups but we must have their active participation as well. This we will strive in every way possible to achieve, Some basic guidelines for the study effort have been set forth by the Congress, others have yet to be developed, We are anxious to get under way and to the extent that very limited available funds will permit we will start immediately, Thereafter, we will proceed as fast as funds and personnel will permit, We solicit your support and will appreciate deeply any suggestions that you may have as to how best we can accompliSh our ultimate mission of forging a workable and acceptable plan to meet the future water requirements of the Western United States. - 8 -