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]002 ADVISORY COUNCIL REPORT Lower Basin, the Council urges Reclamation and its new Salinity Coordinator to find ways to increase the invol vement and participation of Reclamation 's Lower Colorado Basin Regional Office. c> .... "', --J The Council is pleased with Reclamation's effort to better understand the computer model designed to predict salinity trends into the future. This model is a key element in developing the salinity control Plan of Implementation. To be useful, the Council feels that the model must be as accurate as possible. The Council appreciates that a considerable amount of time and effort has gone into updating model. The Council views that it is imperative that the model become a working tool before the Forum begins its 2005 review of the water quality standards for salinity in the Colorado River system. The process would normally begin with data gathering in July, 2003. The Council is concerned that with the increased levels ofEQIP funding to be provided to the USDA on account of the FSRlA's enacunent, Reclamation's efforts do not lag behind. It is essential that the off-farm portion of the plan not lag behind the on-farm portion. The unfortunate result. if that were to occur, would be delays to both programs. The Council requests that Reclamation evaluate the opportunity for the States to prepay their cost share as a mechanism to facilitate ensuring Reclamation's portion keep pace with the USDA portion of the plan of implementation. There have been recent discussions about the impact of Selenium and other minor constituents in the total dissolved solids of the river. The Council recognizes the benefits to salinity control that have occurred when the salinity control program partnered with the Department of the Interior's efforts to control Selenium. The Council requests that Reclamation review the Council's charter to detennine the extent the Council can appropriately advise the federal agencies on how to deal with the specific constituents that contribute to the salinity of the Colorado River. In the "Management and Budget Recommendations" portion of this report, the Council recommends that funding for the Reclamation portion of the federal program be accelerated to insure that the off- farm portion of the program keep pace with the on-fann portion. The Council requests that Reclamation seek increased appropriations in FY 2004 and FY 2005 as shown in Table I herein and report on its efforts to secure additional funding at the next Council meeting. The Council asks that Reclamation respond in writing to recommendations contained in this report by April 15, 2003. 5 COLORADO RlVER BASIN SAU\7TY CO.\7ROL ADJ-7S0RYCOUl\'CIL .