Resources Policy. As a result of this study, the chamber of commerce individually, as well as the group collectively, supports the principles and objectives of that report and concurs in a majority of its conclusions. We especially concur in the following recommendations: 1. That the present program of basic data collection be accelerated and put on a more consistent and definite basis. 2. That planning be conducted on a cooperative basis with representatives of all Federal, State, and local agencies involved. 3. That a reorganization be adopted to include: Regional or riverbasin committees, to serve in advisory rather than operating capacities; and a permanent Federal Inter-Agency Committee, to serve as the medium for coordinating the interrelated functions of Federal Agencies. (Most of the six organizations, including the chamber of commerce, also concur in a recommendation for an independent board of review, established by Congress, to serve both the Congress and the President as an impartial economic-engineering consultant on the feasibility of Federal projects.) 4. That the principles which recognize water rights as property rights be accepted. Any study of the relationships between property rights to water and the social and economic development, and of the principles and criteria to be incorporated in law regarding such rights, as proposed in the Cabinet Committee report, should be conducted by a group composed of Federal and State representatives plus local interests including private industry.) 5. That no system of relative priorities for use of water be applied uniformly to the entire country. 6. That evaluations of water projects by all agencies be on a uniform basis. 7. That each major water resource project be separately authorized by Congress. 8. That, as a general policy, all interests participate in the cost of water resources development projects in accordance with the measure of their benefits. We therefore offer our assistance in the formation of public opinion in support of legislation to carry out these recommendations. Finally, Mr. President, we are heartily gratified by what we understand to be your intention to throw the full weight of your office behind a program to establish a sound national water policy. Respectfully, JOHN S. COLEMAN, President. "5 STATE CONSTITUTION OF ALASKA DRAFTED AND ADOPTED BY THE PEOPLE OF ALASKA, TRANSMITTED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE MARCH 15, 1957 Printed for the use of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs 89556 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1957 IRCHASED THROUGH |