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APR 0 1 2002 . United States Department of the Interior u.s. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Office of the Director Reston, Virginia 20192 In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 150 #20020126 <::> - --J f.:,. MAR 2 5 2002 . Me. Larry R. Dozier, Chairman Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Ad....isory Council P.O. Box 43020 Phoenix, Arizona 85080-3020 Dear Mr. Dozier: Your letter ofJanuary 14, 2002, to Secretary Norton has been referred to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for response. We appreciate the opportunity to review and respond to the recommendations presented in the 2001 "Annual Report on the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program" regarding the activities of the USGS. We recognize the importance of salinity control in the Colorado River Basin and are pleased to support the efforts of the Salinity Control Advisory Council and Forum through our long-term data collection efforts and hydrologic interpretations. . The USGS received moderate funding increases for strearngaging activities during Federal fiscal years (FY) 2000, 2001, and 2002. This funding was provided in support of our planned National Streamflow Infonnation Program (NSIP). In (FY) 2002 USGS funds amounting to $611,790 are supporting the operation of 52 streamgages and water quality monitoring stations in the Colorado River Basin. Details concerning expenditures of these funds can be found in the enclosed table. It should be noted that the stations listed in the table are funded entirely by the USGS. Many more stations are operated throughout the Basin. Funding for these stations is provided by cost share agreements between the USGS and various State and local entities via the Cooperative Water Program and by funds supplied by other Federal agencies. The USGS encourages feedback from the Salinity Control Advisory Council and Forum on the National Streamflow Information Program and its relation to salinity control activities in the Colorado River Basin. We would be pleased to arrange for a presentation about NSIP at an upcoming Forum meeting should that be of interest to your members. The USGS recognizes the value of the interpretive work on salinity reductions and trend analyses that are performed by several of its hydrologists. The USGS appreciates the recognition given