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will provide great benefit to us, or do we want to forgo or modify 

 a project to protect an estiiarine system ? 



The effects of these water management projects are often irre- 

 versible, and when this occurs, it is of even greater concern than the 

 effects of pollution. This is a difficult decision to make. 



Although the problems which face us as we look upon the coastal 

 zone scene are complex — and some of these problems are just now 

 beginning to emerge — it does not necessarily follow that our response 

 needs to be equally complex. 



Eather, I feel that our response should be a measured one. We should 

 seek to use to the fullest extent those agencies which are already pro- 

 viding able management of the many elements which together com- 

 prise the coastal zone. We should help them by providing funds and 

 intelligent counsel. I do feel, however, that their efforts should be 

 better coordinated. 



Although our panel's primary purpose is to consider the extent to 

 which a management system is required for the coastal zone, I feel 

 compelled to comment briefly on the nature of the management which 

 is needed. 



Having had some personal experience at several levels of govern- 

 ment — local. State and Federal — and being employed now by a com- 

 pany which has pioneered the sulfur mining industry in the coastal 

 zone, I feel that I may have some understanding of the advantages 

 and disadvantages, the pros and the cons, the pluses and minuses of 

 having such control placed at each of the several levels of our govern- 

 ment, and with varying participation by government and business 

 leaders. 



I think that we have all seen the depressing effect of too rigid con- 

 trol by a centralized agency. Such agencies sometimes lose sight of 

 the real needs of the area, and the desires of local interests. Their 

 opinions become law. Their actions become increasingly dictatorial 

 and lacking in reason. 



In this area of control of the coastal zone, we must develop the right 

 blend of local. State, regional, and existing Federal authority with 

 the proper ratio of government-business participation to assure that 

 the interests of each are considered in arriving at decisions which pro- 

 tect the interests of all. 



I feel that we can best achieve this blend by assuring proper local 

 participation in the administration of regulations developed by State 

 and regional government — business agencies acting on guidelines 

 established by an executive agency at the national level. 



The control structure developed should provide only that degree of 

 control wliich Avill be necessary to assure that the interests of all parties 

 concerned shall be properly considered. 



All matters should be resolved at the lowest echelon possible. Matters 

 which in the normal course of events do not extend their effects beyond 

 the geographic limits of a town or city should remain the concern of 

 that town or city. 



Should the foreseeable effect of a planned activity extend beyond the 

 limits of a town or city, it should then become the matter of concern 

 for the next higher echelon of government which has jurisdiction over 

 the total area affected by such activity. 



At each level of authority, there should be an advisory panel con- 

 taining representatives of those businesses and industries most effected 



