Laserfiche WebLink
<br />000278 <br /> <br />/998 ANNUAL REPORT <br /> <br />this dispute resolution mechanism may be in the future associated with tribes in the Basin adopting <br /> <br /> <br />water quality standards, At a minimum, it would be helpful for EPA to regularly and accurately <br /> <br /> <br />report all efforts ofEPA and Colorado River Basin tribes to develop water quality standards in the <br /> <br /> <br />Basin, The Council requests that EP A become more active in supporting the programs and funding <br /> <br /> <br />and, when needed, be prepared to initiate discussion on how EP A will provide dispute resolution that <br /> <br /> <br />may develop as Indian tribes move to adopt and administer water quality standards, <br /> <br />MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> <br />The Council's budget recommendations represent the required funding for the program to be <br />successful in maintaining salinity levels within the state-adopted and federally-approved numeric <br />criteria, The funding levels are consistent with and support the conclusions regarding the funding <br />required to accomplish the plan of implementation adopted by the Forum in its 1996 Review. Unlike <br />many other federal programs, the salinity control program provides a significant amount of <br />non-federal cost sharing, The states provide 30 percent cost share from the Upper Basin Fund and <br />Lower Basin Development Fund, In addition to the states' cost share, the local participating <br />farmers cost share in the USDA on-fann program, The non-federal participants (the states, land <br />owners, irrigation districts, etc,) again stand ready in FY 99 to contribute their share of the program <br />costs as an up-front payment. The Council urges the federal agencies to vigorously pursue adequate <br />funding so as to allow timely implementation of the salinity control program in an aggressive and <br />cost,effective manner. The agencies' funding requests should be in accordance with Executive <br />Order 12088, <br /> <br />Table I contains the Council's recommendations for the federal cost share for FY 2000 and FY 2001, <br /> <br /> <br />These funds are for the construction activities necessary to meet the program objectives, The <br /> <br />COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALlNITYCONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL <br /> <br />15 <br />