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importance to the entire Nation or to a large seg- ment of it are considered the responsibility of a Federal agency. All States concerned with the Potomac Basin now have agencies which are pro- viding opportunities for nonurban recreation to residents and visitors alike. For any future river development program including reservoirs, it is expected that all levels of government would be concerned with providing recreational facilities and that, therefore, the views of such agencies should be considered in the planning stages. In the maintenance and preservation of the fish and wildlife resources of the basin, the establish- ment and enforcement of proper regulations there- for are primarily State functions. Cooperation among various State and Federal agencies, increas- ingly aware of the damage that neglect can do, should assure more effective results in future im- provement programs. Present coordination with local and state groups.-In its studies and investigations the Corps of Engineers consults with various Federal, State, and local agencies. Public hearings are held to afford opportunity for local interests to express their views on proposed projects. Under terms of the Flood Control Act of 1944 and subsequent river and harbor and flood control acts, affected States are given opportunity to cooperate in the investigations and to present their written views and recommendations on the proposals before re- ports are submitted to the Congress.19 •Act of December 22, 1944, § 1, 58 Stat. 887. Conclusions State and local agencies, including private in- terests, have an important place in the planning activities affecting all phases of water resources and related land use programs. The interests of these agencies should be coordinated in future studies and investigations through an arrangement for assuring the fullest possible participation. Such arrange- ments properly can be made by a river basin commission, as suggested by this Commission. In the fields of water supply and pollution abate- ment, State and local organizations and private corporations and industries can assume primary responsibility for constructing and operating facili- ties, with cooperation and advisory and research assistance furnished by the Federal Government. However, acceptance of this responsibility should be based on a broad understanding of the poten- tialities of conservation and demonstrate consistent progress. In local flood control projects, local agencies must participate to the extent of furnishing rights-of-way, operating the completed facilities and preventing unwise use of sites susceptible to flood damage. Watershed management programs should be cooperative undertakings with local groups and individuals taking the general responsibility and making use of technical and other assistance pro- vided by Federal and State agencies. Recreation and fish and wildlife programs are responsibilities of both State agencies and the Federal Govern- ment. Hydroelectric power under existing law may be developed by the Federal Government, by State agencies, or by private interests under license. 615 |
