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10. Provide the climate in which past controversies can be set aside and all who would be so vitally affected by the common spectre of future water shortages can move forward in resolution of the region's water problems in a united effective approach. The proposed Initial Plan as the first step of a comprehensive plan will meet only the most immediate and urgent demands for increased water supplies for the Pacific Southwest. It is clear that further long-range planning is necessary. Because of the numerous water development functions involved and the many interests affected, it is equally clear that this effort should be fully coordinated. To assure such coordination among Federal, State, interstate, and local plans, it is highly desirable that the authorizing legislation establish a regional water commission modeled to the extent appropriate upon that set forth in Title II of S. 1111 as supported by the Administration and as passed by the Senate. The Initial Plan contemplates the conveyance of 1.2 million acre-feet of surplus water from northern to southern California to guarantee against deficiencies in water supplies available from the Lower Colorado River. It is apparent, therefore, that water planning for the Pacific Southwest is tied closely with water development programs in northern California. The sphere of coordinating action to be undertaken, at least initially, by such a regional water commission should encompass not only the Lower Colorado River Basin and its service area in California, but the entire State of California as well. The States appropriate at the outset for participation in its work would be Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Colorado River legislation and the decree in Arizona v. California, et al., impose responsibilities upon the Secretary of the Interior that are unique to the region. Moreover, proper management of the Pacific Southwest Development Fund, if established, would be a responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior. Consequently, as a departure from S. 1111 in this case, the Secretary of the Interior should be chairman of the commission, with the right to appoint a deputy chairman who would serve in his absence. While the costs of the Initial Plan may appear high, in reality they are modest in relation to the value of the extensive and diversified economy of the five-State area. The task of providing water to maintain this growing economy is great. The stakes are high. The national interest is involved. 10Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 15,486,976 byte