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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Western States Water Council <br />Water Resources Committee Minutes <br /> <br />Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico <br />October 28, 2004 <br /> <br />Duane Smith talked about spotlighting the WSWC as the best entity for federal agencies to <br />engage to get input on their policies and programs. We should be a central point of contact for federal <br />agencies, in order to ensure agencies have a good understanding of western state views. <br /> <br />Kevin noted it is also an issue of timing. We should consider USGS numbers and chances to <br />aim "rifle shot measures, if we have them." <br /> <br />Dave agreed that our internal work over the next couple of months should focus on basic data <br />and funding, "moving quickly - early next year on the President's budget - to work the Hill." Our <br />second priority should be the Boise workshop. <br /> <br />Allen observed that cultural change is also happening with conservation districts, and for the <br />first time ever, western conservation districts have organized and are meeting together. <br /> <br />Dave said, "Conservation districts really have the link to NRCS." <br /> <br />Tony asked the Committee to clarify the directives for some of the efforts discussed. <br />Specifically, he asked about identifying a USGS champion to carry our legislative priorities. <br /> <br />Estevan Lopez suggested that Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) has shown an interest. <br /> <br />John D'Antonio declared, "We're dodging the issue of the cost of water to the end user and <br />fees. We go to our U.S. congressmen, but the money isn't there. Where do we go with user fees, and <br />public and private partnerships to pay for infrastructure? The federal budget isn't going to do it." <br /> <br />Dave raised the issue of projects. <br /> <br />Rod Kuharich added conservation is a component of water supply and development. <br /> <br />Dave urged we not lose sight of the need for integrated water management. <br /> <br />Kevin suggested we need a separate water development component. <br /> <br />Hal asked, "Do we need to create new subcommittees?" <br /> <br />Dave asked for volunteers to work on water conservfltion and water infrastructure and funding <br />issues. Several members were added to existing subcommittees. The Water Conservation <br />subcommittee will flesh out an agenda for the April workshop and invite the U.S. Army Corps of <br />Engineers, BOR, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Farm Services Agency (FSA) and NRCS to <br />participate. <br /> <br />7 <br />