WSP00504 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

00333~ PURPOSE While the MBSA was originally created to pursue the four objectives previously noted, the . Association' 5 Board of Directors adopted the fol- lowing Statement of Purpose on May 20, 1982, to govern Its future activities: The Missouri Basin States Association (MBSA) serves as a forum for the identification. discussion, and possible resolution of issues of Concern to the basin states. Issues to be dis- cussed will include matters of interstate comity among the basin states as well as matters of common concern to the basin states that arise due to the actions and programs of the Federal Government, other states. Indian tribes, and private interests. If agreement can be reached on how an issue should be resolved. the Associa- tion may take a position and advocate that position to those in a position to resolve the is- sue. The MBSA will foster communication and infor- mation exchange among the member states, various other governmental units and the private sector on water and related resources matters. The MBSA may help coordinate activities of regional significance being conducted by various governmental units and private Interests responsible for water resources management within the Missouri River basin, In order to accomplish the above purposes, the MBSA will conduct regular meetings to provide a forum for issue discussion and coordi- nation of water management activities. The MBSA will analyze pertinent water resource problems and issues. maintain and operate a computerized water accounting system, assem- ble and distribute information, and perform such research and studies as necessary to ac- complish the purposes. The MBSA will also maintain office space, hire staff, purchase equip- ment, and take other actions necessary to ac- complish the purposes. The MBSA will not develop a comprehensive regional plan, nor participate in regional or basin planning activities. The MBSA is intended to be a regional coordination, information exchange and discussion forum. It will not supplant the states' role of planning and managing water re- sources within their boundaries. WORK PROGRAM/ACTIVITIES During Fiscal Year 1982, the Association undertook the following work programs and activities: Coordination and Information Exchange The coordination of water management activities in the basin was effected in several ways during FY82. At regular MBSA quarterly meetings time was devoted to state and federal agency reports and discussions concerning water planning and management activities of regional significance. Time was also allocated for reports by other public and private organizations concerned with water management in the basin. Information concernIng water management activi- ties In the basin was exchanged between meetings through two Association publications. A Directors News Bulletin was initiated, published biweekly, and Circulated to MBSA directors, state water agencies, federal water agencies and paid subscri- bers, The Directors News Bulletin averaged about 50 pages in length and contained sections on Association news, state water news, federal water news, and reproduced news clippings regarding water related activities in the basin. A MBSA Basin Bulletin was published following each quarterly Association meeting. The Basin Bul- letin was devoted almost entirely to a report of Association meeting activities and actions and was distributed free of charge to a mailing list of ap- proximately 400 individuals and organizations in the basin and throughout the nation. Issue Analysis During FY82, the Association adopted a process for authorizing the analysis of regionally significant water-related issues. The first Issue authorized for study was "out-of-basin water transfers." A draft analysis of the issue was presented to the As- sociation on October 21, 1982, and subsequently referred to a committee for further refinement prior to its consideration for adoption and publica- tion. The Association also adopted processes for taking and advocating positions on basinwide water related issues during FY82. Missouri River Basin Hydrology Study In Fiscal Year 1980, the Missouri River Basin Com- mission initiated a study entitled "Missouri River Basin Hydrology Study." The study was jointly funded by the Federal Government through the -, 3