PUBLIC LAW 87-328-SEPT. 27, 1961
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ST A T.
Public Law 87-328 September 27, 1961 [H. J. R e s. 225]
JOINT RESOLUTION To create a regional agency by intergovernmental compact for the planning, conservation, utilization, development, management, and control of the water and related natural resources of the Delaware River Basin, for the improvement of navigation, reduction of flood damage, regulation of water quality, control of pollution, development of water supply, hydroelectric energy, flsh and wildlife habitat, and public recreational facilities, and other purposes, and defining the functions, powers, and duties of such agency. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives States of America in Congress assembled,
of the United
PART I COMPACT Delaware R i v e r Basin Compact.
Whereas the signatory parties recognize the water and related ^ resources of the Delaware River Basin as regional assets vested with local, State, and National interests, for which they have a joint responsibility; and Whereas the conservation, utilization, development, management, and control of the water and related resources of the Delaware River Basin under a comprehensive multipurpose plan will bring the greatest benefits and produce the most efficient service in the public welfare; and Whereas such a comprehensive plan administered by a basinwide agency will provide effective flood damage reduction; conservation and development of ground and surface water supply for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses; development of recreational facilities in relation to reservoirs, lakes, and streams; propagation of fish and game; promotion of related forestry, soil conservation, and watershed projects; protection and aid to fisheries dependent upon water resources; development of hydroelectric power potentialities; improved navigation; control of the movement of salt water; abatement and control of stream pollution; and regulation of stream flows toward the attainment of these goals; and Whereas decisions of the United States Supreme Court relating to the waters of the basin have confirmed the interstate regional character of the water resources of the Delaware River Basin, and the United States Corps of Engineers has in a prior report on the Delaware River Basin (House Document 179, Seventy-third Congress, second session) officially recognized the need for an interstate agency and the economies that can result from unified development and control of the water resources of the basin; and Whereas the water resources of the basin are presently subject to the duplicating, overlapping, and uncoordinated administration of some forty-three State agencies, fourteen interstate agencies, and nineteen Federal agencies which exercise a multiplicity of powers and duties resulting in a splintering of authority and responsibilities; and Whereas the joint advisory body known as the Interstate Commission on the Delaware River Basin ( I N C O D E L), created by the respective commissions or Committee on Interstate Cooperation of the States of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, has on the basis on its extensive investigations, surveys, and studies concluded that regional development of the Delaware River Basin is feasible, advisable, and urgently needed; and has recommended that an interstate compact with Federal participation be consummated to this end; and
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