Reflections on the Federal Role in River Management
A review of federal government agencies’ responsibilities for national water resources management
Federal government agencies’ responsibilities for national water resources management grew rapidly in the 20th century, along with the budget to execute those responsibilities. In most places today, river flows are the result of rainfall and runoff, as well as the presence of the water development projects of these agencies. Meanwhile, in the nation’s watersheds, demands on water resources are changing along with changes in rainfall and runo volume and patterns, suggesting the possible need for new investments and dierent management of the investments currently in place. However, by historical standards, there has been a radical reduction in the Federal roles and budgetary commitment to river management. This diminished Federal role has resulted from competing water management visions that I will refer to as “old water conservation,” “new water conservation,” and “watershed restoration.”
