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31 Sunrmary Remarks PANEL C: To Strengthen the States S. L. (Jack) Frost - Moderator O:J~ \oct, In Perspective Until the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965, there was little Federal effort to encourage a nationwide program of State water planning. Planning generally was a role of the Federal agencies. Some States, because of early recognition of the need for assessment oI their water resources, devel- oped water planning programs; but generally this State effort nationally waS minimal. But times have changed, and now the States are starting to move in many directions. As a result, the piecemeal pattern of Federal assistance, which grew during the period of State inactivity, now becomes evident as does the problem of States rising to the tremendous task and opportunity which confronts them. Where will this path lead? How strong will the environmental influence be in determining this course? Will Federal assistance be reshaped to this new pattern, or will it continue as a bewildering impediment? Will water assume a more dominant role in State bureaucracy? And in turn, how will the States adapt to the local governments, and citizen interest and the need for their involvement. There is no one answer--but there must be better answers, This was the arena to which the State panel directed itself to set needs in clearer perspec- tive and to probe for possible answers. Some of the Questions 1. What kind of a Federal-State-Iocal partnership should exist in the water planning effort? 2. What role should the Federal Government play in the partnership? 3. How should State planning be integrated with river basin commis- sion planning? 4. Should the Federal Act spell out how local governments and citizens become involved with the States where Title III funds are used? 5. What is to be the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Water Resources Act and with the States'?