t to continue comprehensive planning--and to make certain that
action at all levels is consistent with the established objectives.

Sincerely yours,

[signature]

Kenneth Holum
Assistant Secretary

Honorable Stewart L. Udall, Secretary
Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C. 20240

Enclosure

POTOMAC RIVER BASIN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1025 VERMONT AVENUE, N.W.,
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005

MARYLAND
PENNSYLVANIA
VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

September 15, 1968

Dear Mr. Holum,

The Potomac River Basin Advisory Committee was pleased to have the
opportunity to review the recommendations compiled by the Federal
Interdepartmental Task Force for inclusion in the forthcoming Report to
the President. These recommendations represent the culmination of
intensive studies in the areas of water supply and flood control, water
quality, sedimentation and erosion, and landscape and recreation. As
such, they are of the utmost significance to the people of the Potomac
River Basin.

We note in particular that the recommendations

(a) Highlight today's most pressing problems and propose feasible
solutions;

(b) Recognize the interrelationship of the separate needs of the
urban and rural areas of the Basin, and propose action by federal,
state and local governments;

(c) Specifically consider the economic growth of the Basin in
relation to water resources development; and

(d) Emphasize the need for an intergovernmental organization, along
the lines of the proposed Potomac River Basin Compact, which would
have continuing responsibilities for the planning and development
of the Potomac River Basin.

During the past two years the Advisory Committee has focused attention
on preparation of a draft of a proposed interstate-federal compact which
has been submitted to the governments and the people within the Potomac
River Basin for comment. We believe that an interstate-federal agency
for the planning, development and management of the Potomac, envisaged
by the Compact, offers by far the most promising opportunity for the
people of the Basin to guide the water resources development of the
Potomac, and for the implementation of many of the Report's
recommendations.

The Advisory Committee wishes to commend the Federal Interdepartmental
Task Force for the constructive and imaginative manner in which this
difficult