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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />May 11-12, 1998 <br />Agenda Item 26j <br />Page 3 of 3 <br /> <br />Hearings on H.R 3267 were held on March 12, 1998 in the House Committee on Resources, <br />Subcommittee on Water and Power. Testimony was provided by among others: Wayne Cook, from <br />the Upper Colorado River Commission; Rita Pearson, from the Arizona Dept. Of Water Resources; <br />Ted Stewart, from the Utah Dept. Of Natural Resources; and Douglas Wheeler, Califomia Secretary <br />of Resources. Much of the testimony focused on Law of the River concerns as well as the expedited <br />time lines for study, environmental compliance, and implementation. Following the hearing H.R <br />3267 was reported to the full Committee, apparently with recognition of the need for amendment to <br />meet the near unanimous concerns expressed. The 105th Congress is scheduled to adjourn in early <br />October, and prospects for enactment oflegislation to reclaim the Salton Sea would appear meager. <br />However, there is an effort underway to introduce an amendment to H.R 3267 dealing with Law of <br />the River and Colorado River water use issues, and bring the Bill to the House floor this summer. <br />Whether that effort will be successful and whether the offered amendments would address all of the <br />Basin States' concerns is unclear at this time. Reportedly there is little interest in passing a bill in <br />the Senate. Wayne Cook of the Upper Colorado River Commission has informed staff that he is <br />tracking the status of this legislation and will inform the Upper Basin states if the Bill moves ahead <br />and if they need to take action through their Congressional delegations. <br /> <br />Recommendation <br /> <br />The Board may want to allow the Director, acting in coordination with the Upper Colorado River <br />Commission, is authority to comment as necessary and appropriate if either of the Bills advance <br />during the current Congressional term. <br />