162 



There are indeed legal institutional impediments to getting the job done on 

 the lakes. Some are serious, but none will be solved by the creation of additional 

 State and federal agencies. 



The Marine Commission's recommendation that financial grant approval be 

 conditioned upon the states formation of such a coastal zone authority might 

 easily become an obstacle to a harmonious state-federal relationship. This par- 

 ticular recommendation does not seem oriented towards solving actual pro- 

 gram needs as we would feel it should. 



We feel that the basin commission, because of its broad membership, offers 

 a far more effective vehicle than would be gained by creation of state coastal 

 zone authorities. 



Certainly I would be the first to recognize whether or not existing implemented 

 programs are fully meeting the needs of the Great Lakes area. They are not. 

 We are deeply concerned with inadequate progress being made on limnological 

 research, shore erosion control, shore line management, pollution control, silt 

 problems, recreational development, and preservation of scenic areas. Inade- 

 quate and timid management goals and policies for the development and use 

 of the lake are also hang-ups we are painfully aware of— perhaps conditioned 

 by inadequate funds. 



These are matters which the state and federal governments must face clearly 

 around the conference table. But I hasten to assure you that the conference 

 table does exist, and as long as it has its legs well shored up, we see no institu- 

 tional impediments to using it. 



What we need most are : 



(A) A clear policy for the use and development of the Great Lakes. 



(B) More money. 



Dollars have come painfully slow to many of the states. But that trend is chang- 

 ing dynamically. Large water bond issues have been passed by several states. 

 There is a new and forceful program of state water planning, aided by the grant 

 program of the Water Resources Council. In Ohio, we have completed a $300 

 million long range plan for Northwest Ohio are spending large sums to imple- 

 ment it. I am convinced that federal grant programs — 'backed up with money to 

 the states — not authorizations, or new agencies — will accelerate this tempo even 

 more. 



My reason for citing a hesitancy about accepting the Marine Commission's 

 recommendation for institutional changes on water management responsibilities 

 is that it only deals with one portion of our water effort. Experience has pain- 

 fully demonstrated that you can't effect a piecemeal reorganization of water 

 resources agencies without compounding and opening a Pandora's Box to many 

 other problems. I would hope that the studies of the National Water Commis- 

 sion might suggest new stracturing — if there is to be any — but in doing so, 

 provide a total approach to the total water management picture. 



I would also hope that a more specific definition of the coastal zone concept be 

 considered, or this whole section of the Marine Commission report will lose an 

 opportunity in providing objective direction to the more pressing needs of ocean 

 marine resource development and deny a more flexible institutional approach. 



In the meantime, I do see opportunity as an ultimate outcome of such study 

 for a consideration of the creation of a national oceanic agency as a broad policy 

 planning and fund-granting agency. It would seem that it could prosper by co- 

 ordination through the Water Resources Council. It could possibly function 

 somewhat in that manner of Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, making grants for 

 projects, working through and with existing agencies, and reporting periodically 

 to the Water Resources Council and to the President and Congress. It could be 

 responsible for a national ocean marine plan, and continually update it and 

 bring in sharp focus the priority problems and recommend solutions. With this 

 part of the report "Our Nation and the Seat." I concur heartily, for here we have 

 a freshness of appi'oach ; we have an agency unfettered by commitments to the 

 past and in a position to pinpoint needs for research and programs, to stimulate 

 the training of marine scientists, and to set up a grant program so that the fund- 

 ing of this effort can be realistic and purposeful. 



In this role, I feel that a national oceanic agency could stimulate a much 

 greater community of effort through its association with all levels of govern- 

 ment and interests. 



In the area of natural resources management. I have felt we possess the minds 

 and souls, but have lacked public understanding and fiscal application toward 

 meeting yesterday's failures, today's needs and tomorrow's goals. 



