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Show The interested parties seem generally satisfied with the progress being made on these problems. Conclusion A program for the Missouri Basin and asso- ciated waters poses certain specific, but not serious, problems of international cooperation. The Inter- national Joint Commission gives indication of resolving amicably and satisfactorily the problems that have arisen. A river basin commission estab- lished for the purpose of integrating water resources activities in the basin would of necessity maintain close liaison with the International Joint Commis- sion. 9. Unifo rm Reporting Procedures on Progress The Problem The desirability of uniform reporting on the progress of river basin program planning and development. The Situation With the exception of the Tennessee Valley, river basin programs have been concerned largely with certain separate specific projects-e. g., irrigation, navigation, flood control, power facilities-designed to meet specific needs. Lacking an expression of the extent of the problems and of the population, employment, income, and production goals which might reasonably be attained in the future, there has been no base against which progress can be measured. In addition there have been very real technical difficulties in measuring progress made. Some agencies as yet can report on a basin only in- exactly because their data are collected on other geographical bases. Steps have been taken recently in the basin to supply progress information through the 6-year program estimates of the Missouri Basin Inter- Agency Committee and the monthly progress re- ports of the Interior Missouri Basin Field Commit- tee. These estimates and reports, however, fail to establish the over-all picture of activities in all phases of a coordinated Missouri River Basin plan. Specifically the problem is to determine the pur- pose of such reports; the necessary frequency of issue; the detail they should show; and how the report can be used. The purpose would be twofold: to establish budgetary requirements, and to permit periodic reevaluation of the program. The frequency would depend somewhat on the detail specified, and the rate of development of the basin. An annual report, based on the reports of agencies concerned, would probably indicate trends. This could lead to a 3- or 5-year comprehensive report. Conclusions There is need for (1) a clear and thoroughly co- ordinated statement of the character of the problems and goals of regional development, (2) a coordi- nated statement of the projected costs of these pro- grams, (3) adequate reporting of progress, and (4) periodic appraisal as to whether or not the programs are in balance, or some elements need acceleration. Reports should be prepared by and released by the river basin commission for the basin recommended by this Commission in volume 1 of this report. Agencies participating should coordinate their reporting procedure so as to use standardized form and standard units for like subjects. All responsible agencies should adapt their recording to the river basin as a unit. 271 |
