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<br /> <br />Tbe States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, <br />New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming <br />Governor's Representatives on Colorado River Operations <br /> <br />May 8, 2001 <br /> <br />The Honorable Gale Norton <br />Secretary of the Interior <br />1849 - C Street, N.W. <br />Washington, D.C, 20240 <br /> <br />Dear Secretary Norton: <br /> <br />We are writing to you as the representatives of the Governors of our respective states <br />concerning issues and operations in the Colorado River Basin, As you know, our states have had <br />a long history of open communication and co.operation with each other and with the Department <br />of the Interior. We have successfully negotiated and resolved many issues of complexity and <br />importance to the economy and environment of the Basin, and have done so to the mutual benefit <br />of the wide array of interests that use and enjoy the water resources of the Basin. We look <br />forward to continuing that relationship with you. <br /> <br />We write to express our views on, and to request a meeting with you to discuss, an issue <br />of emerging importance - the Colorado River Delta in Mexico. In the recent past, the two <br />governments of the United Slates and the Republic of Mexico have, through the International <br />Boundary and Water Commission and in other forums, expressed concern and cooperation over <br />the state of the natural environment in the Delta and over water supply issues. <br /> <br />For example, the IBWC adopted Minute 306, which calls for a "framework of <br />cooperation" between the two governments toward studies to "ensure the use of water for <br />ecological purposes. .. based on the principle of an equitable distribution of resources;" an <br />examination of the effect of flows on the existing riparian and estuarine ecology in the Delta; and <br />a binational task force for the exchange ofinfonnation and advice. The IBWC and the Interior <br />Department have initiated planning for a symposium, currently contemplated for the fall, to <br />begin the study effort. <br /> <br />The lBWC also adopted Minute 301, which commits the IBWC to ajointplanning level <br />study by stale authorities in California and state and federal authorities in Mexico for conveyance <br />options of Colorado River water to the San Diego- Tijuana region. <br /> <br />Additionally, various national and local environmental organizations have undertaken <br />studies and made proposals regarding a perceived need for additional water to be delivered from <br /> <br />Page 1 of 4 <br />