[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 144 (Thursday, October 21, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13016-S13019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. COVERDELL (for himself and Mrs. Lincoln):
  S. 1762. A bill to amend the Watershed Protection and Flood 
Prevention Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 
cost share assistance for the rehabilitation of structural measures 
constructed as part of water resources projects previously funded by 
the Secretary under such act or related laws; to the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.


               SMALL WATERSHED REHABILITATION ACT OF 1999

  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, we have a national problem that greatly 
affects Georgia if not addressed. Since 1944, under a federal program 
administered by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, over 10,400 small watershed dams were 
constructed in 46 states. These dams were planned and designed with a 
50 year lifespan. The purpose of this program was to provide flood 
control, water quality improvement, rural water supply assurance, fish 
and wildlife habitat protection, recreation, and irrigation.
  Communities depend upon these watershed projects. However, many of 
these dams have reached their life expectancy and are badly in need of 
repair. Currently, the United States Department of Agriculture has 
neither the authority nor funds for rehabilitation of watershed 
structures. The legislation I introduce today along with Senator 
Lincoln, the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Act of 1999, provides a 
needed and critical solution to this growing crisis for rural America.
  The state of Georgia alone has 357 small watershed dams, 69 of which 
will reach the end of their designed lifespan within the next 10 years. 
It is my understanding that 121 dams in Georgia need to be modified to 
meet state dam safety laws and protect residential and commercial 
development downstream from the dams while 8 dams need repairs and 
modifications to extend their useful life and help prevent future 
environmental and economic losses. Since fiscal year 1996, the state of 
Georgia has appropriated over $4.6 million to bring these structures in 
compliance with the Georgia Safe Dams Act. However, state and local 
communities do not have enough financial resources available to 
rehabilitate these watersheds dams in a timely fashion.
  The legislation Senator Lincoln and I are introducing lays out a 
procedure and a funding mechanism for a rehabilitation process that 
would ultimately save these dams across the nation, including those 
located in Georgia. The bill authorizes $60 million a year from 2000 to 
2009 and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a system of 
ranking and approving rehabilitation requests on need and merit. 
Specifically, the legislation calls for $5 million to be used annually 
by the Secretary to assess the true needs of the entire program in the 
first two years of the program's existence. Under this program, 65 
percent would be funded by the federal government while the remaining 
35 percent would be funded locally. Recent flooding in the southeast 
from Hurricane Floyd and Irene make enactment of this legislation an 
even more pressing matter.
   This bi-partisan legislation has been endorsed by Governor Roy 
Barnes of Georgia and a wide range of other Georgia state and local 
officials and national associations.
  I would like to thank Senator Lincoln for her leadership, and for 
working with me on this important legislation. This bill is a Senate 
companion to legislation introduced by Representative Frank Lucas of 
Oklahoma. We look forward to working with him on securing its 
enactment.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and 
letters of support be priinted in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1762

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Small Watershed 
     Rehabilitation Act of 1999''.

     SEC. 2. REHABILITATION OF WATER RESOURCE STRUCTURAL MEASURES 
                   CONSTRUCTED UNDER CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF 
                   AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS.

       The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``SEC. 14. REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURAL MEASURES NEAR, AT, OR 
                   PAST THEIR EVALUATED LIFE EXPECTANCY.

       ``(a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
       ``(1) Rehabilitation.--The term `rehabilitation', with 
     respect to a structural measure constructed as part of a 
     covered water resource project, means the completion of all 
     work necessary to extend the service life of the structural 
     measure and meet applicable safety and performance standards. 
     This may include (A) protecting the integrity of the 
     structural measure, or prolonging the useful life of the 
     structural measure, beyond the original evaluated life 
     expectancy, (B) correcting damage to the structural measure 
     from a catastrophic event, (C) correcting the deterioration 
     of structural components that are deteriorating at an 
     abnormal rate, (D) upgrading the structural measure to meet 
     changed land use conditions in the watershed served by the 
     structural measure or changed safety criteria applicable to 
     the structural measure, or (E) decommissioning the structural 
     measure, including removal or breaching.
       ``(2) Covered water resource project.--The term `covered 
     water resource project' means a work of improvement carried 
     out under any of the following:
       ``(A) This Act.
       ``(B) Section 13 of the Act of December 22, 1944 (Public 
     Law 78-534; 58 Stat. 905).
       ``(C) The pilot watershed program authorized under the 
     heading `Flood Prevention' of the Department of Agriculture 
     Appropriation Act, 1954 (Public Law 156; 67 Stat. 214).
       ``(D) Subtitle H of title XV of the Agriculture and Food 
     Act of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3451 et seq.; commonly known as the 
     Resource Conservation and Development Program).
       ``(3) Eligible local organization.--The term `eligible 
     local organization' means a local organization or appropriate 
     State agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of 
     structural measures constructed as part of a covered water 
     resource project.
       ``(4) Structural measure.--The term `structural measure' 
     means a physical improvement that impounds water, commonly 
     known as a dam, which was constructed as part of a covered 
     water resource project.
       ``(b) Cost Share Assistance for Rehabilitation.--
       ``(1) Assistance authorized.--The Secretary may provide 
     financial assistance to an eligible local organization to 
     cover a portion of the total costs incurred for the 
     rehabilitation of structural measures originally constructed 
     as part of a covered water resource project. The total costs 
     of rehabilitation include the costs associated with all 
     components of the rehabilitation project, including 
     acquisition of land, easements, and rights-of-ways, 
     rehabilitation project administration, the provision of 
     technical assistance, contracting, and construction costs, 
     except that the local organization shall be responsible for 
     securing all land, easements, or rights-of-ways necessary for 
     the project.
       ``(2) Amount of assistance; limitations.--The amount of 
     Federal funds that may be made available under this 
     subsection to an eligible local organization for construction 
     of a particular rehabilitation project shall be equal to 65 
     percent of the total rehabilitation costs, but not to exceed 
     100 percent of actual construction costs incurred in the 
     rehabilitation. However, the local organization shall be 
     responsible for the costs of water, mineral, and other 
     resource rights and all Federal, State, and local permits.
       ``(3) Relation to land use and development regulations.--As 
     a condition on entering into an agreement to provide 
     financial assistance under this subsection, the Secretary, 
     working in concert with the eligible local organization, may 
     require that proper zoning or other developmental regulations 
     are in place in the watershed in which the structural 
     measures to be rehabilitated under the agreement are located 
     so that--
       ``(A) the completed rehabilitation project is not quickly 
     rendered inadequate by additional development; and
       ``(B) society can realize the full benefits of the 
     rehabilitation investment.
       ``(c) Technical Assistance for Watershed Project 
     Rehabilitation.--The Secretary, acting through the Natural 
     Resources Conservation Service, may provide technical 
     assistance in planning, designing, and implementing 
     rehabilitation projects should an eligible local organization 
     request such assistance. Such assistance may consist of 
     specialists in such fields as engineering, geology, soils, 
     agronomy, biology, hydraulics, hydrology, economics, water 
     quality, and contract administration.
       ``(d) Prohibited Use.--
       ``(1) Performance of operation and maintenance.--
     Rehabilitation assistance provided under this section may not 
     be used to perform operation and maintenance activities 
     specified in the agreement for the covered water resource 
     project entered into between the Secretary and the eligible 
     local organization responsible for the works of improvement. 
     Such operation and maintenance activities shall remain the 
     responsibility of the local organization, as provided in the 
     project work plan.
       ``(2) Renegotiation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), as 
     part of the provision of financial assistance under 
     subsection (b), the

[[Page S13017]]

     Secretary may renegotiate the original agreement for the 
     covered water resource project entered into between the 
     Secretary and the eligible local organization regarding 
     responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the 
     project when the rehabilitation is finished.
       ``(e) Application for Rehabilitation Assistance.--An 
     eligible local organization may apply to the Secretary for 
     technical and financial assistance under this section if the 
     application has also been submitted to and approved by the 
     State agency having supervisory responsibility over the 
     covered water resource project at issue or, if there is no 
     State agency having such responsibility, by the Governor of 
     the State. The Secretary shall request the State dam safety 
     officer (or equivalent State official) to be involved in the 
     application process if State permits or approvals are 
     required. The rehabilitation of structural measures shall 
     meet standards established by the Secretary and address other 
     dam safety issues. At the request of the eligible local 
     organization, personnel of the Natural Resources Conservation 
     Service of the Department of Agriculture may assist in 
     preparing applications for assistance.
       ``(f) Justification for Rehabilitation Assistance.--In 
     order to qualify for technical or financial assistance under 
     this authority, the Secretary shall require the 
     rehabilitation project to be performed in the most cost-
     effective manner that accomplishes the rehabilitation 
     objective. Since the requirements for accomplishing the 
     rehabilitation are generally for public health and safety 
     reasons, in many instances being mandated by other State or 
     Federal laws, no benefit-cost analysis will be conducted and 
     no benefit-cost ratio greater than one will be required. The 
     benefits of and the requirements for the rehabilitation 
     project shall be documented to ensure the wise and 
     responsible use of Federal funds.
       ``(g) Ranking of Requests for Rehabilitation Assistance.--
     The Secretary shall establish such system of approving 
     rehabilitation requests, recognizing that such requests will 
     be received throughout the fiscal year and subject to the 
     availability of funds to carry out this section, as is 
     necessary for proper administration by the Department of 
     Agriculture and equitable for all eligible local 
     organizations. The approval process shall be in writing, and 
     made known to all eligible local organizations and 
     appropriate State agencies.
       ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $60,000,000 
     for each of the fiscal years 2000 through 2009 to provide 
     financial and technical assistance under this section.
       ``(i) Assessment of Rehabilitation Needs.--Of the amount 
     appropriated pursuant to subsection (h) for fiscal years 2000 
     and 2001, $5,000,000 shall be used by the Secretary, in 
     concert with the responsible State agencies, to conduct an 
     assessment of the rehabilitation needs of covered water 
     resource projects in all States in which such projects are 
     located.
       ``(j) Recordkeeping and Reports.--
       ``(1) Secretary.--The Secretary shall maintain a data base 
     to track the benefits derived from rehabilitation projects 
     supported under this section and the expenditures made under 
     this section. On the basis of such data and the reports 
     submitted under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall prepare 
     and submit to Congress an annual report providing the status 
     of activities conducted under this section.
       ``(2) Grant recipients.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     completion of a specific rehabilitation project for which 
     assistance is provided under this section, the eligible local 
     organization that received the assistance shall make a report 
     to the Secretary giving the status of any rehabilitation 
     effort undertaken using financial assistance provided under 
     this section.''.
                                  ____

                                                 State of Georgia,


                                       Office of the Governor,

                                           Atlanta, June 16, 1999.
     Hon. Paul Coverdell,
     U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Paul: The purpose of this correspondence is to 
     encourage your strong and active support for H.R. 728, the 
     Small Watershed Rehabilitation Amendment of 1999. H.R. 728 
     was introduced by Representative Frank D. Lucas of Oklahoma 
     and amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act 
     (P.L. 83-566, 16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) by adding a new section 
     to provide federal cost-share for rehabilitation of 
     structural measures that are near, at, or past their 
     evaluated life expectancy. Cost-share assistance will be 
     provided to local watershed, conservation and other districts 
     that have the legal responsibility for the safety and 
     conditions of watershed dams throughout the United States. 
     The need for funding by H.R. 728 results from the fact that 
     the United States Department of Agriculture now has neither 
     the authority nor funds for rehabilitation of watershed 
     structures.
       To date, there have been over 10,400 watershed dams 
     constructed with the help of federal cost-share funds, 
     primarily through Public Law 83-566, the Watershed Protection 
     and Flood Prevention Act. Georgia has 351 watershed 
     structures as a result of this program. Many of these dams 
     are nearing, or are already at the end of, their design 
     lifetime--50 years--and are in need of significant 
     rehabilitation to maintain structural integrity and dam 
     safety. Twenty-two of Georgia's Soil and Water Conservation 
     Districts have primary responsibility for operating and 
     maintaining these 351 dams, and many of our districts share 
     responsibility with local governments on the remaining 
     structures. Since FY96, the state of Georgia has appropriated 
     over $4.6 million to bring these structures in compliance 
     with the Georgia Safe Dams Act.
       These watershed structures provide over $16 million of 
     benefits each year to Georgia communities by protecting urban 
     and rural infrastructures, as well as personal property, from 
     flooding and flood damage. These dams also protect 
     irreplaceable natural resources through an effective 
     watershed approach.
       Representative Lucas is currently seeking co-sponsors for 
     this bill in the House. Congressmen Nathan Deal and Saxby 
     Chambliss have already become co-sponsors of H.R. 728. I 
     would like to ask for your support in co-sponsoring this 
     legislation; it is important to Georgia's soil and water 
     conservation districts and the state of Georgia.
       Thank you.
           Sincerely,
     Roy E. Barnes.
                                  ____



                                   Office of the Commissioner,

                             Pickens County, GA, October 20, 1999.
     Senator Paul Coverdell,
     Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: I certainly appreciate and support 
     your effort to introduce the Small Watershed Rehabilitation 
     Act 1999.
       As you know, these watershed structures are very well 
     placed in 19 sites throughout our County preventing major 
     runoff, erosion and flooding.
       Even though our efforts to maintain them are ongoing we are 
     somewhat limited by budget and time restraints due to routine 
     County maintenance.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Frank Martin,
     Commissioner.
                                  ____

                                             Paulding County Board


                                             of Commissioners,

                                     Dallas, GA, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Paul Coverdell,
     Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: I would like to offer you my 
     support for the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Senate Bill 
     that you will be introducing. I appreciate your efforts on 
     behalf of Paulding County. If there is ever anything I can do 
     for you, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Carruth,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                                   Paulding County


                                       Board of Commissioners,

                                     Dallas, GA, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Paul Coverdell,
     Russell Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: In reference to the Small Watershed 
     Rehabilitation Senate Bill that you will be introducing, I 
     want to offer you my support in your efforts to get this 
     passed. I appreciate your time and effort in what you are 
     doing for Paulding County and if there is ever anything I can 
     do for you, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Hal Echols,
     Post III Commissioner.
                                  ____

                                                   Paulding County


                                       Board of Commissioners,

                                     Dallas, GA, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Paul Coverdell,
     Russell Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: In reference to the Small Watershed 
     Rehabilitation Senate Bill that you will be introducing, I 
     want to offer you my support in your efforts to get this 
     passed. I appreciate your time and effort in what you are 
     doing for Paulding County and if there is ever anything I can 
     do for you, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Roger Leggett,
     Post II Commissioner.
                                  ____

                                                   Paulding County


                                       Board of Commissioners,

                                     Dallas, GA, October 20, 1999.
     Hon. Paul Coverdell,
     Russell Senate Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: I am in total support of the 
     Watershed Dam bill you will be introducing. We have many 
     watershed dams in Paulding County that are in need of repair.
       If you need any additional, please call me.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Mike J. Pope,
     Commissioner, Post I.
                                  ____

                                                 Cobb County Board


                                             of Commissioners,

                                   Marietta, GA, October 19, 1999.
     Hon. Paul Coverdell,
     U.S. Senate, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: I want to formally endorse your 
     sponsorship of legislation to amend the Watershed Protection 
     and Flood Prevention Act, in order to provide financial 
     assistance to local entities working

[[Page S13018]]

     to rehabilitate structural measures constructed as part of a 
     covered water resource project.
       Having federal financial assistance available to address a 
     portion of the costs for the rehabilitation of structures 
     that impound water can ensure that appropriate revenues and 
     support will be available as Cobb County works to extend the 
     service life of these structures.
       Finally, I appreciate the effort on behalf of Congress to 
     address the safety concerns associated with the maintenance 
     of these aging structures. The protection of life and 
     property is a priority and assistance in this effort is most 
     appreciated.
       Please know that I aggressively support this legislation 
     and your sponsorship.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Bill Byrne,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                                  Gwinnett County,
                               Office of the County Administrator,
                                                 October 19, 1999.
     Senator Paul D. Coverdell,
     Colony Square, Atlanta, GA.
       Senator Coverdell: I appreciate the opportunity to give 
     input on the Watershed Rehabilitation Legislation. I have 
     reviewed the draft bill, and it appears to be in our best 
     interest for this legislation to pass. It provides 65% 
     rehabilitation funding for existing soil conservation service 
     dams. This funding can also be used to extend the life of the 
     dams, correct accelerated deterioration, correct damage from 
     a catastrophic event, or upgrade the dam to meet changed land 
     use conditions in the watershed.
       It appears that no funding is currently available for this 
     work, and since Gwinnett County has responsibility for 14 of 
     the referenced dams, we support this draft legislation. If 
     you have any questions or need additional information, please 
     feel free to call me at (770) 822-7021. Thank you.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Charlotte Nash,
     County Administrator.
                                  ____

                                                 Habersham County,


                               Office of County Commissioners,

                               Clarkesville, GA, October 20, 1999.
     To: Mr. Richard Gupton.
     Subject: Small Watershed Rehabilitation Act of 1999.
       Dear Sir: We fully support Senator Paul Coverdell's effort 
     to obtain federal funds to up grade and maintain the 
     watershed dams in our county. These dams have provided and 
     are still providing much needed flood protection and other 
     benefits including municipal water. The cost of bringing 
     these dams up to safe dams standards far exceeds our budget. 
     Any help from the federal level is certainly a wise use of 
     tax dollars.
           Sincerely,
                                                Jerry L. Tanksley,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                              City of Hogansville,


                                               E. Main Street,

                                Hogansville, GA, October 21, 1999.
       Honorable Paul Coverdell: The reservoir here in Hogansville 
     was built in the mid 1970's primarily for the purpose of 
     flood control. It has served the community exceptionally well 
     in its intended purpose.
       It can't be overstated as to how important the maintenance 
     of the dam is to the integrity of the dam and the safety to 
     the community immediately downstream.
       As with anything we do, it does cost to properly maintain 
     the dam and these costs escalate each year. It is extremely 
     important that we receive Federal financial assistance with 
     the maintenance of the dam at our reservoir.
           Sincerely,
                                                    David Aldrich,
     City Manager.
                                  ____

         Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation 
           District,
                                                 October 20, 1999.
     Re Watershed Dam Rehabilitation.
     Mr. Richard Gupton.
       Dear Mr. Gupton: I would like to express our strongest 
     support for Senator Coverdell's Bill to provide assistance to 
     repair the watershed dams across the county and especially 
     important to me the dams in Forsyth County.
       I have been a supervisor in Forsyth County for over five 
     years and have seen first hand the tremendous benefits that 
     these structures have provided the citizens of Forsyth 
     County.
       As these dams approach 40 and 50 years old the District has 
     seen the urgent need for federal assistance in performing 
     necessary repairs and upgrades to meet new regulations and 
     standards. This assistance is urgently needed to upgrade 
     these structures so they can continue to provide benefits in 
     the year to come.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Leonard Ridings,
     District Supervisor.
                                  ____

                                                     Bartow County


                                        Commissioner's Office,

                                                 October 21, 1999.
     Senator Paul Coverdell,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
     Re Watershed Dams Legislation.
       Dear Senator Coverdell: As County Commissioner, I support 
     the legislation currently being considered on watershed dams.
       Bartow County has seven watershed dams. This legislation, 
     if passed, would benefit many counties, like Bartow that have 
     several of these dams to maintain.
       Thank you for your endorsement of this legislation.
           Very truly yours,

                                               Clarence Brown,

                                                Sole Commissioner,
     Bartow County, GA.
                                  ____



                                 National Watershed Coalition,

                                                  October 4, 1999.
     Hon. Paul D. Coverdell,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Coverdell, Recently I have heard you might be 
     considering introducing a Small Watershed Rehabilitation Bill 
     in the Senate, much like H.R. 728 that is working its way 
     through the House of Representatives. This letter is to 
     support you in that endeavor, and offer the resources of the 
     National Watershed Coalition (NWC) in that support.
       Our NWC represents local watershed project sponsors at the 
     national level. For many years they have been telling us that 
     our nation's small watershed structures, which provide 
     invaluable benefits to society, in some instances are in 
     vital need of rehabilitation and upgrading to meet current 
     standards. In many cases, these local sponsors, no matter how 
     much they would like to be able to accomplish these mandated 
     upgrades, simply do not have the financial capability to do 
     so, and are not likely to get that capability soon. Your own 
     state of Georgia has been a national leader in recognizing 
     this problem and assisting these local project sponsors with 
     technical and financial help. Even with Georgia's own 
     statewide rehabilitation program, more is needed. We believe 
     that since the federal government worked with these local 
     sponsors in planning and building these structures, and since 
     much of the required upgrading is as a result of changed 
     federal policies, it just makes sense that the federal 
     government assist with the rehabilitation on a cost-sharing 
     basis much as they did the original construction.
       Within the next 10 years, 69 of Georgia's 357 watershed 
     structures will reach the end of their designed lifespan. 
     Georgia has about 130 structures that need some modification, 
     and the cost estimate is $85 million. The cost of 
     rehabilitating these structures can be expensive. Two dams 
     were recently modified in Georgia's Etowah River and Raccoon 
     Creek Watersheds at a cost of nearly $750,000 each. With 
     rehabilitation, these very worthwile structures will continue 
     to provide benefits to society for years to come. It has been 
     estimated these watershed projects provide $2.20 in benefits 
     for every $1.00 of cost. That is the kind of federal 
     investment we ought to be protecting.
       The NWC is pleased you are considering introducing such a 
     bill, and will help.
           Sincerely,
                                               W.R. ``Bill'' Hamm,
     Chairman.
                                  ____



                                 National Watershed Coalition,

                                                        Burke, VA.

         National Watershed Coalition--What Is It?--Who Is It?

       The National Watershed Coalition is a non-profit 
     organization consisting of national, regional, state, and 
     local associations and organizations that have joined forces 
     to advocate the use of the watershed or hydrologic unit 
     concept when assessing natural resources issues. 
     Additionally, we are pooling our resources to support and 
     strengthen USDA's Small Watershed Protection and Flood 
     Prevention Programs (PL 534 & 566) as we believe they 
     represent the best available planning and implementation 
     vehicles for water and land resource management. The 
     Coalition also supports other water resources programs 
     employing total resource based principles in planning, and 
     the rehabilitation of older projects.
       The affairs of the Coalition are managed by a steering 
     committee made up of representatives of all participating 
     national, regional, and state organizations and associations. 
     Current steering committee membership includes: Alabama 
     Association of Conservation Districts; Arkansas Watershed 
     Coalition; Associated General Contractors of America; 
     Association of State Dam Safety Officials; Association of 
     State Floodplain Managers; Association of Texas Soil & Water 
     Conservation Districts; Interstate Council on Water Policy; 
     Iowa Watersheds; Kansas Association of Conservation 
     Districts; Land Improvement Contractors of America; Lower 
     Colorado River Authority, Texas; Mississippi Association of 
     Conservation Districts; Missouri Watershed Association; 
     National Association of Conservation Districts; National 
     Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies; 
     National Association of State Conservation Agencies; New 
     Mexico Watershed Coalition; North Carolina Association of 
     Soil & Water Conservation Districts; Oklahoma Association of 
     Conservation Districts; Oklahoma Conservation Commission; 
     Pennsylvania Division of Conservation Districts; Soil & Water 
     Conservation Society; South Carolina Association of 
     Conservation Districts; South Carolina Land Resources 
     Conservation Commission; State Association of Kansas 
     Watersheds; Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts; 
     Texas Association of Watershed Sponsors; Texas State Soil & 
     Water Conservation Board; Tombigbee River Valley Water 
     Management District, Mississippi; Town Creek Water

[[Page S13019]]

     Management District of Lee, Pontotoc, Prentiss & Union 
     Counties, Mississippi; Virginia Association of Soil & Water 
     Conservation Districts; West Virginia Soil & Water 
     Conservation District Supervisors Association; West Virginia 
     State Soil Conservation Agency; and Wisconsin PL-566 
     Coalition.


                              memberships

       The National Watershed Coalition includes among its 
     membership a number of supporters (local watershed sponsors 
     and individuals), who have made voluntary tax-exempt 
     contributions to support the Coalition's efforts. Funds 
     obtained through memberships are used to provide information 
     to all members, and help defray expenses of publishing the 
     newsletter, mailings and a biennial conference. Our 
     membership categories are individual, organization and 
     Steering Committee.


                    how the steering committee works

       The steering committee meets three to four times each year 
     to review problems and concerns about water resources issues 
     and the PL 534 & 566 watershed programs and related 
     authorities, and discuss recommendations on how the program 
     can be improved. Each representative takes recommendations 
     back to their own organization and follows up with their own 
     membership, committees, and contacts. There is also regular 
     communication throughout the year concerning progress made on 
     current watershed management issues.
       There is no required membership fee to become a member of 
     the Steering Committee of the National Watershed Coalition, 
     although some organizations do make a voluntary contribution 
     in support. In addition, representatives of participating 
     organizations and associations pay their own wages and 
     expenses for attendance at committee meetings, and handle 
     their own clerical and postage expenses inhouse. Steering 
     committee members are encouraged to also be Individual 
     Members.
       From time to time, there has been, and may be again, 
     solicitation for funds for specific purposes toward a common 
     goal; however, it is understood that solicited funds are to 
     be given entirely on a voluntary basis. The Coalition is a 
     501(c)(3) organization. Funds contributed to the Coalition 
     are tax deductible.
       If your organization wishes to play a more active role in 
     this effort, we welcome your participation. All you need to 
     do is write to the address indicated below requesting to be a 
     part of this important effort, explaining your organization's 
     interest and support for the watershed approach and the Small 
     Watershed Programs, and providing the name, title, and 
     address of the person designated to represent your group. 
     When your organization receives its acceptance letter, you 
     will be included on the mailing list and invited to 
     participate in all steering committee meetings. We welcome 
     all interested organizations.
       We look forward to hearing from you. The more participation 
     we have, the stronger our voice will be.
                                 ______