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OC23~5 USDA ROLE 16 The participant develops a salinity control plan which identifies the salinity red uction practices and schedule for installation on a specific unit of land. Cost-sharing assistance is provided by ASCS for installation of the salinity reduction practices contained in the plan. This is accomplished through a 3- to 5-year salinity control contract entered into between the participant and the local Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee. Participants apply the salinity control and voluntary wildlife habitat improvement practices in accordance with a schedule that is compatible with their agricultural operations, financial capability, and other salinity control activities that may be scheduled on the irrigation water distribution system. Local infor- mation and educational programs are developed and coordinated by Extension Service and the State Cooperative Extension Services. These programs are necessary to inform farmers and other land users about the salinity control program, new technologies, and the mutual program benefits to the local participants and downstream Colorado River water users. Project coordination at the local level is being achieved by the USDA agencies working through the local salinity control coordinating committee. The local salinity control coordinating committee is composed of representation from ASCS, ses, ES, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation County Committee, and the local Soil Conservation District. Other Federal, State, and local agencies and groups also meet with the local salinity control coordinating committee. Agency coordination mechanisms are also in place at the State and national levels. A USDA Basin Coordinator position was established in 1985 to assist in carrying out the Colorado River salinity program. The position is responsible for coordination and evaluation of USDA salinity control activities in the Basin. The coordinator is also responsible for providing salinity control program assistance for the seven Basin State conservationists of SCS; Director, West National Technical Service Center; and other Federal, State, and local entities and organizations. ') The interim rules and regulations were published for the USDA Colorado River Salinity Control Program (CRSC) on May 5,1987. Funds for implementation were appropriated in fiscal year 1987. Prior to the appropriation of CRse funds, USDA salinity control projects were being planned and implemented under other USDA authorities and funding sources. Research and Demonstration The development and testing of new technology, improved irriga- tion equipment, and different irrigation techniques are vitally important research activities