shortage. I feel that we will be providing more hydro-
lems already exist. The urban areas are a particular
electric power both in existing and new structures.
problem because our planning processes take so long
Hydroelectric power, like water supply, comes off a
that by the time we get an answer the going-in situation
little better in the area of structural solutions than
has changed. We have to be able to translate software
does flood control, simply because the water supply
planning into action much quicker than we have in
obviously must be obtained by storing water and
the past. The next area where I see software service hav-
hydroelectric power is most efficiently produced when
ing immediate application is one I've already mentioned
water is impounded for the purpose of generating great
-the flood plain information and environmental inven-
amounts of energy during a release.
tory arena.
Looking beyond the structural areas, or what might
Another area of great opportunity is using the main-
be called the traditional missions which involve struc-
tenance of our waterways as a catalyst for proper devel-
tural work, I see a great opportunity and a need for
opment of our river basins, and particularly the water
the Corps of Engineers to provide software service. By
courses themselves. I believe that working in conjunc-
that I mean engineering advice that will help States
tion with State and local fish and wildlife interests, the
develop their own State water plans. I'm particularly
Department of the Interior and others, our activities in
concerned that we look at our capability to resolve the
removing deposition from authorized waterways and
quality of life issues, not only for today, but for the
maintaining these waterways can lead to optimum devel-
long term; also that we use our talents in developing
opment of the physical features adjacent to our water-
ways. There's no reason why we cannot open up tribu-
that planners on a national, regional and even local
tary areas in order to place the dredged material from
basis have at hand good data on what's out there in
the waterways in preselected sites. This would not only
order to make proper decisions in developing our
provide fish and wildlife habitat, but excellent recreation
water resources.
areas, and generally raise the environmental, industrial
This software service would have its first priority
input in urban areas, because there's where the prob-