harmony with the comprehensive plan. A compre- 

 hensive plan could be the basic regulatory docu- 

 ment, with permits issued on the basis of its 

 objectives, standards, and other provisions, rather 

 than criteria set forth in regulations implementing 

 the plan. 



Such an approach— case-by-case consideration 

 of proposals, applying general statutory criteria 

 fairly— affords several major advantages. First, it 

 provides the agency with maximum flexibility in 

 determining response to concrete development 

 proposals. 



Second, such an approach minimizes differen- 

 tial value impacts caused by such precise regula- 

 tions as zoning. A zoning ordinance indicates 

 which uses are permitted at specified locations. 

 The types of permissible activities affect value. 

 Absence of precise regulation would leave develop- 

 ment potential uncertain and thus minimize an 

 artificial inflationary (or deflationary) force. 



Third, a permit procedure allows more detailed 

 regulation. The legislation, and the plan's objec- 

 tives and standards, would invest discretion in the 

 Coastal Zone Authority, which in turn could 

 negotiate with developers the many aspects of 

 proposed development otherwise beyond regula- 

 tion. 



E. Acquisition 



Current and projected pressures for pubUc and 

 private recreational development make zoning and 

 permits unrealistic as the only recourse in planning 

 and regulations. The economic pressures of the 

 local tax base and political realities necessitate the 

 availability of other options. 



Foremost among these options are easements 

 and acquisition. Least costly, the former is pre- 

 ferred when it can serve such an expUcit purpose 

 as protecting aesthetic and cultural values. The 

 latter is the more sure when important conserva- 

 tion, recreation, or pubUc development areas are 

 to be preserved. 



The first goal of coastal acquisition would be 

 marshlands and potential public recreation areas. 

 The Federal Government can assist a State when 

 determination of "tidal lines" or "navigability" is 

 the question. 



There are several alternative sources for funds: 



—State appropriations 



—Bond issues (which the Coastal Zone Authority 

 might be empowered to issue) 



—License and tax revenues 



—Existing Federal assistance programs like Federal 

 Aid in Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson), 

 Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman- 

 Robertson), Land and Water Conservation Fund 

 Act, etc. 



—Authorization by new legislation. 



All the above funding schemes are sound and 

 could be utilized. In view of the National interest 

 involved. Federal funding is an important source, 

 and funding authorization should be in the legisla- 

 tion enabling this program. 



In addition to State acquisition of coastal lands 

 in the pubUc interest, there is the added considera- 

 tion of Federal acquisition. From the outset 

 Federal acquisition is in the pubUc interest as a 

 part of an estabUshed National program. When 

 delegated Federal authority considers a State 

 failing to manage and administer critical coastal 

 and estuarine areas, or when a State is unable to 

 acquire needed lands not already in pubhc owner- 

 ship, the Federal Government may acquire given 

 areas. Acquisition is one of the two mechanisms 

 the Federal Government has to ensure positive and 

 progressive State action; withholding Federal 

 grants is the second. 



F. Research 



Effective management and understanding of the 

 coastal zone requires a continuing program of 

 monitoring, inventory, and in-depth studies. Just 

 as Federal agencies have research laboratories to 

 provide continuing studies required to fulfill their 

 missions, the Coastal Zone Authorities require a 

 research arm. Many problems are interdisciplinary, 

 requiring talents which range from physics and 

 biology to civil engineering, resource economics, 

 and sociology. The inventorying and monitoring 

 requirements can best be done by units, dedicated 

 to a local region and responsible to the State 

 authority. 



We believe every State should have a research 

 group devoted to the problems of the coastal zone. 



III-153 



