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“Water For America” Initiative Funding : During our 2008 Washington Roundtable, which we coordinated with the Western States Water Council and the Association of State & Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, learned more about the Administration's proposal to initiate a new sequence of regional water budget assessments, which USGS has described as a “national water census.” The purpose and need were generally supported, but concerns related to funding (and the risk of drawing funds away from the National Streamflow Information Program, which is barely 20% complete) resulted in letters to the USGS and to House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee leadership. Bob Hirsch responded on April 16. Additional background on their initiative is available on the USGS website. Let Peter Evans know if you have any suggestions or questions.
- National Assessment of State Water Planning & Implementation Progress –a proposal under discussion & development : During the past two years, we have given considerable attention to the progress many states and interstate organizations are making in the development, revision and implementation of comprehensive water plans. In order to advance our understanding, promote the sharing of successful strategies and identify significant needs and impediments, we are developing plans for a national assessment to be conducted within the next 12-18 months. If you are interested, our Legislative & Policy committee will be refining the plan for initiation early this summer and all Members are welcome to participate. Let Peter Evans know if you have any suggestions or questions.
- Streamgaging Support for USGS: Thirty nine (39) organizations endorsed our letter to Secretary Kempthorne last fall urging the Interior Department to fully implement the NSIP beginning next year. In addition, 26 officials representing 18 states have joined this effort, endorsing a separate letter. On February 4, 2008, the Bush Administration announced its budget request for next year with cuts of almost 4% for the USGS, overall, serious cuts to the Water Resources Discipline , to the Cooperative Water Program , the NAWQA , the Water Resource Research Program and the Toxic Substances Hydrology program. On February 25, 2008, 34 organizations expressed their support for the USGS Streamgaging Programs in letters to the House and Senate. Appropriations Committees. You may refer to our Streamgages page for additional information or contact Peter Evans .
- Federal Strategy for Science & Technology (SWAQ, September 2007): After many months anticipation, the Subcommittee on Water Availability & Quality of the National Science & Technology Council has released its “grand challenges” report; we are pleased to make this excerpt available for your review. What do you think?
- USGS Announces 10-Yr Science Strategy : "Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges—U.S. Geological Survey Science in the Decade 2007–2017." The full text is 14MB ( USGS Circular 1309.)
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