Integrate management of the Connecticut River basin
The Connecticut River which drains portions of four states and the Province of Quebec currently serves every major water use; however, no mechanism exists or has yet been seriously considered for integrated management of this river basin. In fact, the term "integrated management" conveys an intention in this basin which evokes suspicion and opposition, and is self-defeating. The reasons: conflict among the multiple objectives and the absence of clear priorities; multiplicity of Federal, State, regional, and local agencies having a stake in decisions; poorly defined role of local governments in policy formulation, planning, and decision-making, deeply rooted tradition of home rule; and existence of a highly motivated citizens group which emerged as a result of opposition to key recommendations of the Federal-State Comprehensive Water and Related Land Resources Investigation, Connecticut River Basin (1970). Nevertheless, the concept of integrated river management remains an ultimate goal. A definitive step towad this goal was the preparation of the aforementioned comprehensive plan, an action authorized in 1962 by resolution of the U.S. Senate. The plan, issued in 1970, ran into strong opposition mainly because of the recommendation for flood control structures. A productive effort to pinpoint specific areas of uncertainty and disagreement in the plan and to show how these might be resolved was made by a Cittizens' Review Committee appointed by the Chairman, New England River Basins Commission. One immediate result was the formation by NERBC of a Connecticut River Basin Program (CRBP) to conduct studies and to recommend a basin wide flood control program giving due consideration to nonstructural alternatives, and to public participation in the planning process. Despite favorable reception of its report, The Rivers' Reach, an effort by CRBP to develop a common view with the Connecticut River Flood Control Commission, established by interstate compact in 1954, was not markedly successful. Where now does integrated river basin management stand in the Connecticut River? Three major barriers must be overcome: conflict among water uses, uncertainty in Federal-State-local roles in policy setting and decisionmaking, and the indeterminate role of the public in the planing and management process
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Minneapolis, Minn. (EUA)
1981
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| Subjects: | TOMA DE DECISIONES, CUENCA RIO CONNECTICUT, ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA, |
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