WSP11000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2 Rogers C. B. Morton, Chairman of the U.S. Water Resources Council, an independent executive agency, said, "The new principles and standards are the result of more than four years of study and review by the Water Resources Council to achieve the wise st possible use of the Nation's water and related land resources with full consideration for the protection for our environment. . .. President Nixon has taken a significant step by recognizing the importance of the recommendations and approving them. " The U. S. Water Resources Council is an independent executive agency. established by Congress in 1965 to provide for the optimum conservation development, and utilization of the Nation's natural resources, through the coordinated planning of water and related land resources, the establishment of six River Basin Commissions and a Council of 12 participating Federal agencies, and by providing financial assistance to the States in order to increase State participation in water resources planning. In the new "Principles and Standards, " planning for the use of the Nation's water and land resources will be carried out in the context of two broad national objectives relating to national economic development, and , environmental quality. Each objective will be given equal consideration in the conservation, development, and use of our Nation's water and land resources. Under this two objective approach beneficial and adverse effects on national economic development and environmental quality will be prepared and displayed for each alternative plan. In addition, where appropriate, an accounting of the effects on regional development, and social well-being will also be prepared and displayed for each alternative plan. All positive or beneficial effects are to be evaluated as are all negative or adverse effects. Values will be expressed in appropriate monetary or quantitative units or in appropriate qualitative ternls. A planning discount rate to reflect the relative value of beneficial and adverse effects occurring in the future as compared with the pre sent has been established by the Council. This rate is consistent with the cost of Government borrowing concept which is based on the assumption that the Government's investment decisions are related to the cost of money to the Government. The rate has been established at 6-7/8"/0 and will change up or down, as'appropriate, not more than or less than 1/2 of 1% per year. The "Principles and Standards" will be applied to all currently authorized but unfunded projects on a selective basis to be determined by the head of the agency.