Laserfiche WebLink
<br />2 <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />from involved governmental entities at all levels, in concert with the private <br />sector, and its call for alternative regional solutions to a regional problem <br />in advance of adjustments to less abundant resources. <br /> <br />PUBLIC LAW 94-587--0ctober 22, 1976, 90 STAT. 2943 <br /> <br />Sec. 193. In order to assure an adequate supply of food to the Nation <br />and to promote the economic vitality of the High Plains Region, the Secretary <br />of Commerce (herei nafter referred to in thi s secti on as the "Secretary"), <br />act i ng through the Economi c Development Admi ni strati on in cooperati on with <br />the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, and appropri- <br />ate Federal, State, and local agencies, and the private sector, is authorized <br />and directed to study the depletion of the natural resources of those regions <br />of the States of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Nebraska <br />presently utilizing the declining water resources of the Ogallala aquifer, and <br />to develop plans to increase water supplies in the area and report thereon to <br />Congress, together with any recommendations for further congressional action. <br />In formulating these plans, the Secretary is directed to consider all past and <br />ongoing studies, plans, and work on depleted water resources in the region, <br />and to examine the feasibility of various alternatives to provide adequate <br />water supplies in the area including, but not limited to, the transfer of <br />water from adjacent areas, such portion to be conducted Ex.... the Chief of <br />Engineers to assure the continued economic growth and vitality of the region. <br />'If water transfer is found to be a part of a reasonable solution, the Secre- <br />tary, as part of his study, shall include a recommended plan for allocating <br />and distributing water in an equitable fashion, taking into account existing <br />water rights and the needs for future growth of all affected areas. . . . .* <br /> <br />ORGANIZATION <br /> <br />Responsibility for administrative direction of the Study, and for final <br />recommendati ons to the Congress, was assi gned the Secretary of Commerce <br />act i ng through the Economi c Development Admi ni strati on (EDA). The states <br />and EDA formed the High Plains Study Council (Council) to assure proper state <br /> <br />* Emphasis added. <br />