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Western States Water Council Full Council Minutes Seattle, Washington July 15, 2005 . Council like this could set regional priorities, and in state, states can set priorities. "You can influence the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Congress." While this is, "Maybe stepping out of your comfort level. That's what is needed. How can we support you?" Aside from terrorism, this is the Chief's priority. "How can we get more 'bang for the buck' sooner for the American people?" Questions and Answers Tom asked about the Congress' criticism of the Corps, and particularly peer review requirements and full employment. General Schroedel: "Our strategic plan includes an independent peer review process. In my division, Seven Oaks Dam is ten years old, and the first water it has stored came with this year's heavy southern California rains. While it is at only 25 % of capacity, some 2,500 cfs began flowing through an outlet tunnel and the floor failed. I commissioned an independent review. " Herb Guenther asked a question, and John Utton also commented on issues related to federal waters and canals and a new Corps super directive related to a Costco suit over a Clean Water Act . Section 404 permit. Rod Kuharich added that in Colorado they have seen a domino effect beginning with a requirement for four-tenths of an acre mitigation for a condo project as part of a permit that once reopened was used require eight times more mitigation for an old water supply project. The General replied, "We are inconsistent." Developers dig parallel ditches to avoid connection and any nexus to an old 404 permit. My regulatory people are fair and hardworking, but overworked. There are also legal issues. The Corps issues 100,000 permits/year and we deny maybe 50. We expect a lot from our "regulators." I tell them, "You're job is to issue the permit, if you can. If you can't, you find a compromise. Those that get denied (and I get calls from the Congress), in every case the developer won't compromise." The problem is we are "under resourced. " Jack Stults observed that "command rotation" creates an institutional barrier to long-term coordination. General Schroedel explained that there are 41 independent Corps districts and that commands rotate every 2-3 years. The Corps is working to focus work at the regional level for operations, which should bring more consistency and continuity. However, it is a problem for the Army Chief of Staff - stopping surfing the wave tops just to get promoted. Rod asked, "Can there be consultation with the previous commander?" . 8