WSP12337

• File Number: 8272.300.50
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 12/31/1998
• Author: CRBSC Advisory Counc
• Title: 1998 Annual Report on the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

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1998 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 Forum 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
USEP A If there are substantive issues delaying approval, the USEP A 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 ofthe 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 SALINITY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL

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