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o fl G 3 ,j f) /998 ANNUAL REPORT request each year and pro-actively encourage Congress to appropriate the funds necessary to carry out the salinity control activities set forth in the 1996 Review in a timely manner. The Council is concerned that as the Forom begins the process of writing the 1999 Review, the 1996 Review that has been submitted to the USEP A by the Basin states has not yet been acted on by the USEPA. If there are substantive issues delaying approval, the USEPA needs to make those known immediately. The Council is also concerned about the lack of coordination and the inconsistent approach taken by the USEP A and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on Section 7 approval under the Endangered Species Act. The Council understood this issue was resolved during approval of the 1993 Review, but now the two agencies appear uncertain again as they review the 1996 document. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) On July 28,1995, Reclamation's Salinity Control Program was amended by the signing of Public Law 104-20. Under this new authority, Reclamation no longer develops and implements its own salinity control projects but requests proposals from other entities for salinity control projects. Reclamation then evaluates proposals, selects appropriate projects, provides a portion of the funds for implementation and provides technical support. The Council appreciates Reclamation's willingness to include members of the Forum's Work Group on the committee that evaluates and selects the projects to be funded and implemented. The Council feels this enhances the cooperative relationship between Reclamation, the Forum and the Council. It is also noted that this relationship is most appropriate as the Basin states up-front cost share (Basin Funds) 30% on these projects to satisfy the Salinity Control Act's requirements that the Basin states cost share in the program. COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALlN/T!' CONTROL ADVISORt' COUNCIL 4