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<br />D0153~
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<br />news release
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<br />BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
<br />LOWER MISSOURI REGION
<br />DENVER. COLORADO
<br />
<br />January 26, 1983
<br />(303) 234-4257
<br />
<br />FOR RELEASE THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 1983
<br />WATT SEEKS COMMENTS ON COST SHARING FOR WATER PROJECTS
<br />
<br />Secretary of the Interior Jall~s Wiltt ilnnounced today thilt he WdS seeking
<br />input from Governors, water user groups, and the general public on the
<br />subject of water project cost sharing.
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<br />"A number of Governors recently have expressed a desire to strengthen the
<br />Federal-state partnership in water resources development that characterizes
<br />this Administration. We welcome the spirit of cooperation shown in such
<br />expressions," Watt said in making the announcement. "This is another
<br />example of the Administration's commitment to its 'good neighbor' policy."
<br />
<br />Over the past year, the Administration has explored proposals to alter the
<br />traditional methods of Federal water project financing. Historically,
<br />-Aneffciaries of water development projects, primarily in the Western States,
<br />~ve repaid most of the capital costs to the Treasury, although project
<br />repayment policies have differed among the various Federal water resources
<br />agencies.
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<br />Secretary Watt said that the traditional methods of water project financing
<br />need to be changed to match current economic real ities. "~le all recognize
<br />that if our Nation is to enjoy continued economic growth and prosperity,
<br />there must be a recommitment to economically viable. environmentally sound
<br />water projects. To do this. beneficiaries of water resources development
<br />ll1Jst share a larger portion of the project costs."
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<br />The cost-sharing proposal would cover the Federal agencies currently involved
<br />in water resources development. including the Bureau of Reclamation,' the Soil
<br />Conservation Service. and the Corps of Engineers. In the past, there has been
<br />a great diversity in practice among different Federal agencies in project
<br />financing policy. Secretary Watt noted.
<br />
<br />"Implementing a uniform Federal cost-sharing policy will be a big step
<br />forward in improving the management of our Nation's water resources," Watt
<br />said.
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<br />"All the comments we receive on cost sharing will be carefully weighed as we
<br />~nsider the resolution of this extremely complex and difficult issue,"
<br />- ~ecretary Watt said. Comments on the subject of cost sharing will be accepted
<br />through March 25,' 1983, by the Director. Office of Water Policy, U.S. Department
<br />of the Interior, 18th and C Streets, NW., Washington, D.C. 20240.
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