At the end of World War II it did not appear that the stale level of government would play a very important part in river basin development. In spite of the fact that the federal government is continuing to assume an ever-large financial burden for river development, there has been a significant resurgence of state activity in this field. California has undertaken a large-scale development program. A number of states, such as Kansas, New York, Ohio, and others are developing competent staffs to deal with river basin matters and to participate effectively in the planning and operation of river development programs. It is noteworthy that under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, the Department of Agriculture functions through local governmental units established under for state law and that the Administration is sponsoring legislation to grant funds to the states for strengthening state water resources the planning activities.
I have long felt that one of the real handicaps confronting the states has stemmed from the under representation of urban areas by state governments. Thus many people felt that the federal government reflected their views more effectively than the state governments and, therefore, were hesitant to see the states assume tasks being performed by the federal government.
One is led to wonder whether the recent court decision relative to reapportionment of state legislatures may result eventually in an even further revitalization of state governments in the water resources field.
Irving K. Fox, of RFF, in a paper presented recently before the Ninth National Watershed Congress.
A version of this article appeared in print in the June 1962 issue of Resources magazine.
