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S. 3183 would provide for a cooperative program between the Fed- 

 eral and coastal State Governments. Federal grants woidd be made 

 to the coastal States on up to a 50-percent matching basis for develop- 

 ing a comprehensive management program for the State's coastal 

 zone. Operating grants also would be made to the coastal State on a 

 matching basis for implementation of tlie program. 



A requirement for the awarding of grants under S. 3183 would be 

 that the State organize to implement the management plan, and that 

 all necessaiy regulatory authorities are vested in the implementing 

 agency or agencies. 



We believe this requirement is essential if the States are to proceed 

 with a truly comprehensive program. We are not dictating the details 

 of the States organization because we believe the States need freedom 

 to imiovate. We are proposing that the Federal Goverimient set the 

 required guidelines and objectives because of the broad national 

 interest in the coastal zone. 



Our proposal also provides for a continuing review by the Interior 

 Department of the performance of a State's coastal zone management 

 program, and it also provides for the power to terminate or withdraw 

 financial assistance in case of partial compliance or a failure to comply. 

 S. 2802 and S. 3460 are similar bills that would authorize the Na- 

 tional Council on Marine Resources and Engineering Development to 

 provide financial assistance to the States in establishing coastal zone 

 management programs. 



The Department of the Interior has been designated as lead agency 

 for development of a coastal zone management program, for admin- 

 istration of that program, and for identifying the requirements for 

 coastal zone research and development plans for satisfying high prior- 

 ity j-equirements. We l)elieve that the program should be admmistered 

 by an operating department with a manaa-ement focus. Ajid Interior is 

 well equipped to carry out its responsibilities in this area, as supported 

 by testimony of the Marine Council. 



The Department of the Interior is broadly concerned with the whole 

 area of natural resources and their most effective management. In 

 recognition of the need for special attention to coastal zone problems, 

 I recently signed an order creating in the Office of the Secretary a 

 new Office of Marine Affairs. I specifically charged it with the respon- 

 sibilitv of overseeing InteHor's coastal zone and estuarine initiatives, 

 including planning, management, and research. 



I established this Office because nowhere is the need for effective 

 management more noticeable than in estuarine and coastal zone. 

 This is a first step, just as our coastal zone management bill, S. 3183, 

 is a useful start on a massive national land use problem. 



But we need new legislation to meet the critical need for a soundly 

 based national program to encourage and assist the coastal States in 

 the effective management of the land, water, and other resources of 

 the estuarine and coastal zone. I urge enactment of S. 3183. 



I thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Senator Holltxcs. Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. 



I Avould like to yield at this time to our distinguished senior col- 

 league. Senator Cotton. 



Senator Cottox. Well, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for your kind- 

 ness. Obviously, you as chairman of the committee would customarily 



