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<br />l'\:1. <br />CJt <br />CJ'li <br />~ <br /> <br /> <br />The Salinity Control Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement units based <br />on cost effectiveness (cost per ton of salt removal). The units under construction <br />within the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) program (table 6, page 55) are <br />nearing completion and will have an average cost effectiveness of $73 per ton. The <br />U.S, Department of Agriculture program (table 7, page 56) has averaged $44 per ton <br />through 1994, Both programs have been very effective and complement each other <br />with Reclamation improving irrigation delivery systems and USDA improving onfarm <br />irrigation practices, The salinity reduction benefit of the program is estimated at <br />$340 per ton, With the completed portions of USDA and Reclamation programs <br />removing 533,000 tons per year, the annual benefit is estimated at $181 million per <br />year. Other water conservation benefits have not been quantified but are significant; <br />but more can be done to reduce costs and improve the program's effectiveness, <br /> <br />Recommendations-Public Law 93-320 directs the Secretary of the Interior to report <br />any special problems that may be impeding progress in attaining an effective salinity <br />control program, For several reasons, the Bureau of Reclamation needs new <br />congressional authorities to reduce program costs, In an audit report dated March <br />1993, the Inspector General recommended that Reclamation seek broader authorities <br />like those provided to USDA. Unit by unit authorizations have not allowed <br />Reclamation the flexibility needed to optimize its program. In 1994, Reclamation <br />conducted a public review of the program and found wide support for the Inspector <br />General's recommendations, The administration testified in support of a bill before <br />the Senate in 1994 and will continue to support the basinwide approach recommended <br />by the Inspector General, Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, Colorado <br />River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council, and the Colorado River Basin States, <br /> <br />S-2 <br />