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<br />19 <br /> <br />Summary Remarks <br /> <br />PANEL B: To Provide Workable Field Institutions <br /> <br />CliHord H. McConnell - Moderator <br /> <br />Water and related land resources planning is dependent upon the coordination <br />of Federal, State, and nongovernmental interests. The Title II Commissions <br />have been established in order to provide for this needed coordination. <br /> <br />1967 waS a banner year for the establishment of river basin commissions. <br />Between March and September of 1967, four river basin commissions were <br />established. I am pleased to report that the Pacific Northwest, Souris-Red- <br />Rainy, Great Lakes Basin, and New England River Basin Commissions have <br />met the challenge of comprehensive planning and are well on their way to the <br />preparation of the coordinating joint plans. Just recently, President Nixon <br />authorized the establishment of the Ohio River Basin Commission and plans <br />are now underway for the Upper Mississippi. <br /> <br />There have been many problems associated with the establishment and operation <br />oI river basin commissions. While these objections may have merit, I am <br />sure that the record will show that the commissions have provided a new dimen- <br />sion to planning, which was needed so much. The Water Resources Planning <br />Act has now been in operation over 5 years. Consequently. we feel that we <br />should take a good hard look at the operation of river basin commissions and <br />see where procedures can be upgraded and improved. Planning cannot remain <br />static and we must critically evaluate all of the operations of the river basin <br />commissions in order to determine if changes are required to meet the needs <br />of the people. We were fortunate to have such qualified people on Panel B. <br />Each of these panelists made introductory remarks which laid the foundation <br />for lueaningful discussion of river basin conunissions and other institutions <br />for planning and managing water and land resources. It was the general view <br />of the participants that prior to establishing new institutions or modifying <br />existing ones, there must be a demonstrated need for such changes. This <br />summary provides highlights of the discussions and is intended to provide a <br />basis for further dialogue and reconunendations for amending existing laws, <br />policies and regulations. <br /> <br />1. Should land use planning and water planning be <br /> <br />r...:.-I:J:J ~ <br />integrate~ <br /> <br />Major Issues <br /> <br />A. Consensus is "yes" but with some stipulations such as: <br /> <br />(1) Need to integrate State and Federal programs related to <br />land and water planning and to provide workable mechanisms <br />for Federal-State cooperation in major regions. <br />