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Mr. Osann suggested that Reclamation will be working to improve communication and collaboration with its clients and the states. While compliance with the rules and guidelines will stili form the basis for eligibility for discretionary Reclamation program benefits and budget and resource allocation decisions, greater flexibility and more regulatory relief will likely be allowed in those states or specific areas that have or will take a proactive role in promoting water conservation. With respect to the use of any water savings, Mr. Osann stated it will be up to the districts to determine within the constraints of existing state and federal law and site-specific characteristics. Other Reclamation officials reported on the progress of contracts for the preparation of guidebooks to assist districts. in the preparation and implementation of water conservation plans. Further, Reclamation reported that unfortunately its $9M request for "Challenge Grants" to fund partnership arrangements to assist districts and others in promoting innovative water conservation activities had been cut from the House's energy and water appropriations bill, though there was still hope the Senate would agree.to some level of spending. With respect to workshop products, a binder with a summary of each participating state's program and copies of some of the federal presentations. was prepared and distributed to those in attendance. Further, the final day included time for small group discussions regarding a number of questions and issues reiated to water conservation and the resulting findings and recommendations will. be. summarized and distributed. A preliminary review suggests there is consensus on the importance of water conservation as a tool for efficient and effective water management and as an essential component of river basin or watershed planning. However, it is a means to an end, and water conservation is not a water .management panacea. Conservation programs should include specific goals, and expected costs and benefits. PEOPLE President Clinton has reportedly announced his intention to nominate former New Mexico State Engineer . Eluid Martinez as Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Senator Jeff Bingamen of New Mexico said of the nomination: "Eluid has served New Mexico well; he understands the complex issues involved in water rights and resources, and I know he will be an excellent commissioner." Martinez was State Engineer for four years and he also served as a member of the Western States Water Council. If confirmed,he will replace Commissioner Dan Beard, who is resigning effective September 1 (WSW #11 01). . MEETINGS The Western States Water Council will hold its 118th Council meetings at The Inn at Rapid City in Rapid City, South Dakota, August 2-4. The regular meetings of the Council will be preceded by a state planning workshop on Wednesday, August 2. Guests at the meeting will include Ed Csann, Director of Policy for the Bureau of Reclamation, who is expected to discuss Bureau initiatives relative to water conservation guidelines/rules, the sale of Bureau facilities, and illegal water use. Jim Roelofs of the Environmental ,Protection Agency In Washington, D.C. will discuss the status of EPA's groundwater strategy, and in p<lrticuiar the next phase the agency is contemplating to safeguard groundwater from the use of a number of specific chemicals. Aiso Joseph Sax, an expert on water law, who is currently serving as Counselor to the Secretary of Interior, will attend to discuss the water rights implications of bills pending before the Congress regarding regulatory "takings." The Council will celebrate 30 years of service to its member states at the Full Council meeting on Friday. A schedule of meetings follows: Schedule of Meetings . Wednesday. Auaust2 State Water Planning Workshop Management Subcommittee Clean Water Act Subcommittee Federal Water Projects Transfer Sub. 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.rn. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursdav Auaust 3 Legal Committee Water Resources Committee Executive Committee Water Quality Committee Social Hour 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Auaust 4 118th Council Meeting 8:30 a.m. Room reservations may be maqe by calling the hotel at 1-800-456-3750. Callers shoulq identify themselves as attending the WSWC meetings.j . The WESTERN STATES WATER COUNCIL Is an organization of representatives appoi~ted by the Governors of member states - Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, fjlorth Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming - and associate member states Alaska, Mon~ana and Washington.