493 



Executive Mansion, State op Maine, 



Ma^ 12, 1969. 

 Hon. Alton A. Lennon, 



Oceanography Subcommittee, Merchant Marine and Fisheries Oom/mAttee, U.S. 

 House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 

 Dear Congressman Lennon : Speaking for the State of Maine, with our tradi- 

 tional interest in the use of America's ocean resource, I most emphatically sup- 

 port the need for an independent agency at the Federal level to coordinate and 

 lead an oceanographic program for the nation. Such an agency is needed to focus 

 America's efforts in the proper exploration and exploitation of the marine w^orld. 

 Further, I sxipport the concept of a National Advisory Committee on the Oceans, 

 which would include representatives from the States. 



It seems to me that America has lagged badly in these last few decades in our 

 concern for the ocean. In many areas — tishing, aquaculture, merchant marine — 

 we have fallen behind nations such as the Soviet Union and Japan. It has been 

 particularly disturbing recently to see this lack of thrust in our oceanographic 

 efforts begin to have an effect on our Naval superiority, resulting in over-aged 

 fleets and a need for massive refurbishing of our surface and sub-surface Naval 

 forces. 



An independent oceanographic agency, preferably on the executive level, will 

 help to correct this imbalance and will, I am sure, supply the dynamic impetus 

 that is vital if America is to get moving in a meaningful way in the oceanographic 

 field. I hope and trust your subcommittee will act favorably upon these recom- 

 mendations. 



Sincerely yours, 



Kenneth M. Curtis, 



Governor. 



Executive Department, 

 Austin, Tex., June 4, 1969. 

 Hon. Alton A. Lennon, 



Chairman, Oceanography Subcommittee, Merchant Marine and Fisheries Com- 

 mittee, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 

 Dear Congressman Lennon : The Interagency Natural Resources Council has 

 initiated a comprehensive Coastal Resources Plan of the Texas Gulf Coast to 

 provide for the management and development of the human and natural resources 

 of this urbanizing region. To continue this planning effort, the Texas Legislature 

 has passed a Concurrent Resolution, S.C.R. 38, and I, as Chairman of the Council, 

 have requested $200,000 in appropriations for the next biennium beginning on 

 September 1, 1969. 



The Division of Planning Coordination within my Ofl3ce has reviewed and 

 commented favorably on the report of the Commission on Marine Science, Engi- 

 neering, and Resources, "Our Nation and the Sea." Thus, I support the creation 

 of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency at the Federal level and the 

 establishment of a National Advisory Committee on the Oceans to include repre- 

 sentatives of the States. 



Texas has the opportunity to assume national leadership with its comprehensive 

 coastal planning program, and I am looking forward to cooperating and working 

 with you for the realization of this exciting potential. In addition, I am designat- 

 ing my Executive Assistant, Mr. Harold Dudley, to be the liaison contact with 

 you in regards to my intention to faster a State-Federal partnership for marine 

 resources development. 

 Sincerely, 



Preston Smith, 

 Oovernor of Tewas. 



