Water Pact

Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez), in cooperation with Reps. Tony Coelho (D-Merced) and Richard Lehman (D-Sanger), has worked hard on the Coordinated Operation Agreement correctly identified by The Times as breakthrough legislation. When Congress reconvenes in September it is our hope that HR 3113 is swiftly and unanimously approved as the nonpartisan issue it is.

The agreement, which has received statewide support, brings the federal government on board as a partner with the state in the protection of the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and makes additional water available to Southern California and other areas of the state. These benefits occur without the expense of large water projects. Equally as important, it provides a template--or at least an atmosphere--whereby other state water problems can be solved on a cooperative basis.

HR 3113 should not be allowed to fall victim to political gamesmanship--not after three decades of negotiations and the striking of a fine agreement between state and federal water officials. On the merits of its water conservation impacts alone, it should transcend party lines all the way from roll call to the President’s desk.

E. THORNTON IBBETSON

Chairman of the Board

Metropolitan Water District

of Southern California