PUB00145 ‎(2)‎

• Year: 2005
• Title: Western States Water Council - Seattle, WA., July 13-15, 2005
• CWCB Section: Administration
• Description: Western States Water Council - Seattle, WA., July 13-15, 2005
• Publications - Doc Type: Water Policy

Western States Water Council
Water Resources Committee Minutes

Boise, Idaho
April 21, 2005

.

We have a great opportunity with former Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns now the USDA
Secretary. He is letting his people work through it, and Jackhas met with them.

Jack recommended that the letter to Senator Domenici be approved by the committee.

Questions, Answers & Discussion

Jim Davenport: "What kind of activities would be funded?"

Jack responded it mainly provides for planning and watershed work to reduce risk.

Jim: " To respond to economic losses?"

Shaun McGrath said it is intended to operate like other emergencies, with a pot of money
available to plan for drought and then implement plans, without begging for supplemental
appropriation. It would also fund NIDIS. We are trying to get away from solely reacting to the
economic losses, and trying to proactively look at risk reduction.

Jack added that OMB is looking at ways to reduce emergency spending, with 10% of annual .
impacts suggested as an appropriate target for funding.

Shaun explained that $6-8 billion are now spent annually on drought mitigation. We would like
to be more proactive on the local or watershed level. Similarly, NIDIS would provide monitoring on a
local level, and information for decisionmaking, with triggers for action on pre-prepared plans to
address anticipated impacts. You would have money to take mitigative actions with the onset of
drought.

Jack asked, "How do you conserve and better manage water?" During drought, it is not much
different than what we talked about yesterday -water conservation. The bill would raise the priority'
of drought preparedness and better integrate and coordinate existing programs.

Tom Maddock: "$2 million doesn't seem like much."

Jack: "That is just for the Council and to implement the Act. The drought fund authorizing language
is "such sums as may be necessary."

Shaun: "Yes, you would have to ask for an annual appropriation."

Jack moved adoption of the letter. It was seconded by Larry Anderson, and unanimously
approved.

.

4