WSPC03997

• File Number: 8044
• Description: Section "D" General Studies - Compacts - General Writings
• State: NE
• Date: 3/13/1951
• Author: Clifford H Stone
• Title: Interstate Water Compacts - Before the Nebraska Coordinating Committee on Missouri Basin Resources Development
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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an agency that vn.ll intp.TprAt t.hA nAeds of t.he Upper Basin for

prOr.lpt and sound developnent. But it is );jore than that, It

can, for instance, serve as a clearing house for varieties of

ideas, that can be discussed in frank and friendly fashion

within the forum provided by the Commission, rather than become

the subject of injudicious individual or unilateral action and,

perhaps, even angry, public debate outside that forum, which

might well affect adversely the solid front that the States

ought to present to the outside world.

"We must look ahead. Looking ahead and planning for the

future are strictly necessary, if the ~tates of the Upper Basin

are to have and are to play a proper part in making their own

future. It is not too soon to look forward to the day when vast

works have been constructed and when there may well arise the

question as to what would constitute a suitable a~ency to under-

take their operation and maintenance and their administration,

It is not too early to be thinking about that and to be wondering

whether the Upper Colorado River Commission is the answer. There

is anple precedent in the history of il'1.ter-state relations for

the assumption by the Upper Colorado River Commission, under

suitable agreement .Iith the United ~tates of America, of the

operation and maintenance of these .'Iorks and of the incidental

functions related thereto. ~hould that happen, the area con-

cerned would enjoy the benefits of the application of progressive

policies laid dovlll by Federal Law but administered through a local

body, closer to the people, and int:ir.1ately acquainted .nth their