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. . . Western States Water Council Full Council Minutes Boise, Idaho April 22, 2005 Karl explained he has three more decisions to issue in the next two weeks. The fish producers call is more difficult to administer as the springs don't have any storage. What would it take to maintain the springs? "It isn't possible if we shut off all ground water use forever." The springs will never be the same. To maintain the springs would require keeping the aquifer full, but that doesn't square with the principle of optimal development. John Utton observed, "It sounds like a fairly soft landing for ground water users." Karl said, "I don't think this situation was anticipated under the Prior Appropriation Doctrine." BUREAU OF RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES Bill Reine, Director of Operations for the Bureau of Reclamation, spoke for Commissioner John Keys. He addressed various topics related to the budget, legislation and water programs. He reported that there has been pretty good progress under the water management program with respect to the budget. For FY 2006, the President's request includes $27 million for Water 2025 and Field Services. The total $947 million request is basically flat. For FY 2007, budget formulation meetings are already taking place in the regions. The focus is on critical investments in infrastructure. ~he FY2006 request includes CALFED program funding and money for Shasta Dam and other storage in California. Water project security is another priority. Bill added that new Safety of Dams program legislation is critical. It would increase the spending ceiling over 10 years. We are working to get ahead of the problem, but the increased cap is necessary and can't happen without going to Congress for authorization. The proposed legislation also gives project beneficiaries a place at the table for determining design of solutions. 1991. He also mentioned reauthorization of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of Next, he noted that internal management is focused on transparency and accountability, as well as working with partners as long as we can in budget process. "Drought! We're all going through that. Is the drought over? No. We don't know. It depends on where you live." The current water storage system is doing an amazing job. The Colorado River system stores a four year supply and is still about 50 % full after several years of drought. "What happens when the drought breaks?" "Will we still have supply issues?" "Do we have enough water?" Since 2000, there has been 20-40% population growth in some parts of the West. We can more effectively manage water. Water 2025 is one initiative. In 2005, there was $19.5 million, with $10 million for Challenge Grants. There are 19 projects in 10 western states being 7