OCR Text |
Show 7. Uniform policy on providing recreational fa- cilities in reservoir areas. 8. Extent to which fish and wildlife programs should be included in planning for water resources development. 9. Measures for mosquito control. 10. Extent to which engineering and design of major works should take account of all probable future water needs. 11. Interbasin diversions of water into and out of the Central Valley. 12. Integrated planning, construction, and oper- ation of facilities for water use in the Central Valley. D. Program Procedures 1. Irrigation repayment contract principles. 2. Acquisition of property in reservoir areas. Among the issues discussed, probably the most important are those which relate to integrated plan- ning and operation of facilities, the allocation of water to different beneficial uses, the place of State, local, and private agency participation, application of acreage limitation to irrigation, and the nature of irrigation, repayment contracts. Each of the other issues discussed has some significant bearing on the successful completion of efficient, comprehen- sive use of the water resources. A. Distribution of Benefits and. Responsibilities 1. The Place of State and Local Agency Participa- tion in Planning, Programing, Financing, and Opera tion The Problem The extent to which State and local government agencies should participate, or be called upon to participate, in the planning, programing, financing, and operation of water resources developments in the Central Valley. The Situation Califorxiians long have recognized the vital im- portance of water to their welfare. They have spent many millions of dollars, individually and collective!-y, to protect themselves and their works from floo<ds, and even more millions to conserve and regulate their water and put it to beneficial use. In addition, much time and money have been spent 110 by State and local agencies in investigating and planning the control and use of water and land resources. The State Water Plan of 1931,1 devel- oped over many years, is today the basic outline of Federal plans for improvement. Many other developments of California's water resources have been undertaken by private groups, first for mining, and then for irrigation and power. Much legislation dealing with the control and use of Central Valley water has been enacted by the State. As a result, many local public agencies have been formed to plan, construct, and operate flood control, irrigation, drainage, soil conservation, municipal water supply, sanitation, power, and other works. Still other State and local agencies have been created to cooperate with the Federal Government, and to meet the established require- ments of local cooperation. Two examples of these agencies are the State Water Resources Board and the State Reclamation Board. The former conducts investigations and establishes State policies on the control and use of water. It recommends adoption of projects to the legislature, specifying the State share in the method of financing the non-Federal cost of projects. The State Reclamation Board acquires rights-of-way for local flood protection within the State, and participates in other activities including maintenance and operation of phases of these projects. The experience acquired by State and local agencies has been helpful to responsible Federal agencies. Full cooperation and participation by State and local interests can promote speed and efficiency in the program. Because the drainage area is entirely within one State, local interest in its resources is much more intense than in inter- state basins. Also, a capable force of State and local personnel, trained and informed with respect to the problems, is available for such participation. Extensive consultation among Federal, State, and local interests is a normal activity. However, local interests desire even greater par- ticipation in planning, programing, and operation. They have participated financially in many projects, and have assumed complete responsibility for some. State and local agencies have expressed their views on water policy problems, particularly with respect to water rights and acreage limitations.2 1 Now being revised. 1 State of California, Department of Public Works, Views and Recommendations of State of California on Proposed |