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<br />7 <br /> <br />Summary Remarks <br /> <br />PANEL A: To Coordinate Federal Programs <br /> <br />F, W. Montanari - Moderator <br /> <br />To those who believe in Federalism, the Water Resources Planning Act <br />provides a special new opportunity for the sharing of the serious responsi- <br />bilities in managing the basis of our environment, the water and associated <br />land resources. That this is and must be a shared responsibility is evident <br />from the complex nature of the task. The legislative intent expressed in all <br />the Federal legislation involving this area has emphasized the importance of <br />the State's role. And the Water Resources Planning Act is no exception. <br /> <br />Obviously, there continues to be a need to coordinate Federal programs if <br />we are to be effective. The job to be done is too extensive and too urgent to <br />command less than effective, and truly effective, action. Planning is the <br />first step and the key to management. The Act directed the Federal Govern- <br />ment, through the Water Resources Council. to coordinate Federal action in <br />the planning of the Nation's water and associated resources. <br /> <br />Now, after the first five years of operation of the Act, it is quite appropriate <br />that we review the performance with a view toward analyzing the accomplish- <br />ments. To do this, we must look both at the advantages and the disadvantages <br />of the present way of coordinating Federal problems and, using the problems <br />and deficiencies in a constructive way, improve future performance. <br /> <br />The Panel discussed at great length the virtues oI consolidation, as expressed <br />recently by the President and vigorously supported by the conservation group- <br />ings, versus coordination. It was agreed that if we are to keep moving the <br />task of planning comprehensively to meet multiple objectives, we must at <br />this juncture improve what we are doing and how we are doing it. Inc rem ental <br />change seems the appropriate path. <br /> <br />The Water Resources Council has performed adequately during the past five <br />years.within the framework of the Water Resources Planning Act. However, <br />changes are indeed needed. The Council should have more, much more, <br />influence on policy decisions. The technical aspects generally have been <br />quite favorable. <br /> <br />The conclusions that the Water Resources Council should be strengthened was <br />expressed in two dimensions; <br /> <br />(a) A change in structure, principally a different type chairmanship, and <br /> <br />(b) A change in funding of comprehensive studies. <br /> <br />~t>Cj(j <br />