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<br />this experience of the last two decades and has provided the frameword and the incentive for <br />the introduction of S. 2246 and H, R, 8177. <br /> <br />I have taken time in relating some of the past history in water resource planning in <br />order to point out that the proposed legislation we are discussing is the result of long and <br />carefu I study by the Congress and the executive branch of the Government. <br /> <br />Now, having developed some of the steps leading up to the introduction of S. 2246 and <br />H. R. 8177, I would like to present at least a partial analysis of this proposed legislation. <br />I nstead of referring to both bills, since they are practically identical, I will refer to S, 2246 <br />which has been the sUbject of a joint hearing before the I nterior and I nsular Affairs <br />Committee of the Senate. <br /> <br />This bill consists of four titles with the main provisions contained in the first three <br />titles. Briefly, the sUbject matter is as follows: <br /> <br />In Title I, it would establish a Cabinet-level Water Resources Council. This would be <br />the central focus within the executive branch of a comprehensive framework for water <br />resources planning within river basins throughout the United States, and a source of <br />overall guidance and standards for planning, consistent with established law. <br /> <br />In Title II, the President's proposal would authorize the creation by the President, <br />at the request of the Governor, of one or more ofthe affected St~fes or of the Council, <br />of a River Basin Water Resources Commission for any region, major river basin or group <br />of related river basins in the United States, <br />(Emphasis added) <br /> <br />These commissions, which would be composed of representatives of the States and <br />Federal agencies concerned, would be charged with the responsibility of preparing and <br />keeping up to date comprehensive, integrated, joint plans for Federal, State, and local <br />development of water and related land resources. They would also recommend long-range <br />schedu les of priorities for the collection and analysis of basic data and for investigation, <br />planning, and construction of projects. <br /> <br />In Title III, the proposed legislation includes, as I have already stated, the substance <br />of S. 1629 and S. 1778. In so doing, it provides encouragement to full participation in <br />water and related land resource planning by the States. It does this through financial <br />assistance to them in aid of their planning. Thus, it provides an element, more essential <br />now than ever, to the total water resources effort that is needed for the future. <br /> <br />I think that in order to more definitely understand this legislation, I should attempt <br />to detail some of the provisions covered under the various titles. ! <br /> <br />The basic organization of the Cou ncil is as follows: <br /> <br />- 9 - <br />