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. . . Western States Water Council Full Council Minutes Washington, D.C. March 29, 2006 REPORT FROM THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION John Keys, Commissioner reported to the Council for the last time before retiring, effective April 14th, after more than 40 years of federal service. I remember working in 1964 in the Uintah Basin, when a farmer told me he didn't want any 20 year old engineer telling him what to do! John observed that there is no other organization like the Western States Water Council, which brings diversity to the table. With respect to an Endangered Species Act (ESA) protocol, he suggested members get to know Dale Hall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. Dale worked with us very closely with the Bureau of Reclamation on ESA issues. "It is almost like pushing a chain, but I think we will get it done." Hal Simpson asked John about Corps reforms. He said, "We'd be very glad to have the Corps in the Bureau! I'll take Steve on!" He noted that General Strock and Riley believe in cooperation with others. John noted a History 0/ Reclamation has been published for the Bureau's 2002 Centennial and he offered to send a copy to the Council offices. Volume lone goes to WWII, and Volume 2 will be out next year. John praised the Bureau's regional directors saying, "We have the right people in the right place." He mentioned Rick Gold in the Upper Colorado River Region and others, and said, "I encourage you to work with those folks." He continued, "Mark and I are trying to say that the work we are doing is different and will be in the future." John told ajoke about Forrest Gump at the Pearly Gates. Before letting him in to Heaven, St. Peter first asked a few simple questions. First, he was asked to name two days of the week with a "T." Forrest answered, "Today and Tomorrow!" Next, he asked that he name the second day of the month in the year, and Forrest replied, "January 2nd, February 2nd, etc." Lastly, St. Peter asked that he name God's Son. After some thought Forrest said, "Andy." "Why Andy?" asked St. Peter. Forrest replied, "...Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me...." It just goes to show that there is more than one way of looking at things, or more than one answer to every problem. John said, "We will have a new liaison to WSWC, and a new deputy commissioner." Next, John discussed the 2005 National Academy of Science (NAS) study. "We asked them to tell us if we have the right people, policies, procedures, and skill sets to meet 21st Century needs." He praised the panel and its report Managing Construction and Infrastructure in the 21" Century Bureau 0/ Reclamation (November 2005). There are a lot of recommendations to look at and consider. In response, the Bureau prepared its Managing/or Excellence report, which will be the focus of a Apr. 27'" meeting in Denver with stakeholders. It identifies 41 tasks. John asked for the Council's participation in working groups and outreach meetings which will include the National Water Resources Association (NWRA), Colorado River Energy Distributors' Association (CREDA), Family Farm Alliance (FFA), and American Public Power Association (APPA). These groups will help Reclamation put together and implement a plan. There may be some money for travel costs to participate. 7