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. . . Western States Water Council Water Resources Committee Minutes Seattle, Washington July 14, 2005 has been flat since that time, and we are now "hemorrhaging in some states." The largest number of gages lost are in eastern states and some U.S. Army Corps of Engineer districts. In total, some 830 long-term gages have been lost (since 1933?). Growing attention is being focused on this issue. Many Texas water districts came to the Hill [Congress] this past Spring - a little late - to ask for more Coop spending. California got there in February. Congressman John Abney Culberson (R) of Houston, Texas has a personal interest in geosciences and has weighed in, from his position on the House Appropriations Committee, but it has had no impact yet. There has also been an issue raised regarding USGS work and competition with the private sector. USGS has had a policy for many years, so that "we don't step on their toes." However, we recognize it is a gray issue. Our approach is not to take your money and contract with private sector, but split the job and work in partnership with states. We have some excellent examples of this approach. However, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) got some language inserted in the House Interior Appropriations Bill regarding the issue, but with no details regarding their concerns. It was strong language disapproving of current job we are doing, but it was not a formal requirement for change. Some Interior/OMB folks think CWP should be contracted out. We appreciated you letters of support for the current CWP, which combines states' support USGS expertise and quality assurance and quality control (QAQC). We hope to see the political privatization agenda rebutted, including at Interior. We hope there will be affirmative language in the Interior conference report that says the states should be able to contract with USGS for work, and their appears to be some movement that way. Again, we are "deeply gratified by your support" and financial aid at the field level and national budget level - and for your friendship as well. Questions & Answers Duane Smith: "Do our proposed letters address your concerns?" The letter doesn't mention USGS policies and the possibility of splittingjobs. Bob suggested that it should also be addressed to the Congress and Interior. He added, "We appreciate Kansas being a partner for over 110 years." Dave Pope observed that Kansas installed the first streamgage in 1895 first gage, and Bob was there to commemorate the event in 1995. Sue Lowry again laid out the WSWC strategy and pointed out that just maintaining level funding means losing gages. We want to get back to a 50%-50% match. A Cooperators' Steering Group has had two conference calls, with another scheduled in two or three weeks. We are seeking a common network of support, and plan to send a letter to Secretary Norton in early August (a draft was included with the proposed positions under Tab C). Thereafter, a letter will be prepared, hopefully with a longer list of signers, for March hearings on Interiors FY 2007 budget request. Weare asking for a $1 OM/year increase incrementally. Peter Evans, under contract with the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP) is putting together a strategy and 5