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Show River, the construction of dams is prohibited by a State referendum of 1924. This action was spon- sored primarily by sportsmen who wish to preserve the stream for fishing, and it could be repealed only through another referendum. Whether or not ad- ditional diversions from these streams would be justified also depends on the ultimate demands which actually materialize in the Central Valley Basin and the San Francisco Bay area. There is further question on the desirability of conserving water on these streams and making addi- tional water available to help meet the ultimate water needs of southern California through a series of reservoirs, tunnels, canals, and exchanges of water. Such an arrangement might even replace some of the Colorado River water now used or contemplated for use in southern California. In the latter eventuality it may be necessary to consider not only the north coastal streams of California as sources of supply, but also those of southern Ore- gon and possibly the Columbia River. All of these possibilities are being considered, but it probably will be many years before firm conclusions are reached. Conclusions The upper Trinity River diversion into the Cen- tral Valley is a proposed addition to the Bureau of Reclamation plan. The export of water from the basin to the San Francisco Bay area is a part of the Central Valley Project. Additional importations could be made from the northern coastal streams of California into the Central Valley and the San Francisco !Bay area, but studies as to the need for and economic feasibility of such projects are only in the preliminary stages. Such diversions, how- ever, are likely to be expensive. There are no im- mediate demands which cannot be taken care of within the basin. Diversions from other basins therefore are a matter of long-term interest, but they shoulcd not be ignored in comprehensive water planning for the basin. 12. Integrated Planning, Construction, and Opera- tion of Facilities for Water Use in the Central Valley The Problem The extent to which planning, constructing, and operating water use projects should be coordinated. 142 The Situation Different criteria govern consideration of planning, construction, and operation. Planning.-Planning for regulation and use of water resources in the Central Valley involves both regional and basin-wide problems. The problems are many and varied, often requiring specialized, technical study, and concern numerous Federal, State, and private agencies. In many cases the benefits from a particular project are realized in localities some distance from the site, and many specific areas are benefited by more than one project. Moreover, multiple-purpose projects pro- vide services and benefits of more than one type. Thus, planning activities must be coordinated on an intraproject as well as on an interproject basis. Many problems of an entirely local nature also exist. In some cases local water problems are so important as to make certain projects almost in- dependent of basin-wide programs. In the Central Valley, coordination and integra- tion of the planning activities of the various Federal, State, and local agencies have been maintained to interchange basic data, furnish mutual assistance in the case of specialized studies, and inform each re- sponsible agency on progress, investigations, and planning. Generally, such coordination of effort has been informal, anft special steps are taken for closer co- operation as the need arises. For example, a joint committee was formed to consider the proper power capacity to be provided in the Folsom Project on the American River. This committee was com- posed of representatives of the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Federal Power Commission as well as the California State Engi- neer. In the past, such procedures have insured generally satisfactory coordination among these agencies on regional matters. Difficulties and in- consistencies at the regional level are usually caused by differences in policies, arising from dif- ferences in legislative authority. Coordination in the planning stage has been lacking between the construction agencies and the land-management agencies. As a result no con- sideration is given to such matters as requiring State or other public agencies to undertake proper watershed management measures, or reducing the rate of watershed damage. Coordination between water project construction and highway agencies also appears to be imperfect. The programs of water projects are not specifically |
