John W. Morris
which will be fully compatible with the environmental objectives which were clearly
established in the 1970s and conservation objectives being developed in the 1980s.
There is important work to be done. And the way now, for the first time in years,
seems to be clear. We will get there by keeping our eyes on selected targets and by
working diligently within the mainstream of our national objectives. The logic of
proper development of our Nation's water resources is now acceptable to most of
America. Still, the credibility of the program needs attention. Basically, the likelihood
of undertaking such a program will increase proportionately to its credibility...that is,
a program which conforms to environmental and conservation objectives and follows
an acceptable system for setting investment priorities. That is where the Water
Resource Congress can be most effective.
Happily, your efforts are already being felt in the cost sharing, project review and
priority-setting areas. I would suggest you keep up the good work to resolve those
procedural steps as soon as possible. Then you, as the leader in water resource
development undertakings, will be in a good position to roll up your sleeves and get
back to work.
Before concluding, I'd like to tell you about what Senator Bob Kerr of Oklahoma
said in a speech to the people at Wichita, Kansas, who were interested in extending
navigation on the Arkansas River from Tulsa to Wichita, Kansas. That was on 26
November 1962. At the conclusion of that speech he said something I will always
remember. He said, "Be careful what you dream...it might come true."
I think that statement could apply today. I really do believe that the circumstances
that we now have in this country are encouraging. We are really conquering
environmental problems. We are willing to face the conservation ethic head-on. If we
get those two issues behind us and integrate them in our project planning, there is no
reason in the world why we cannot get back on a positive investment program in water
resource development.
In my judgment, it's dreaming time again...but you'd better be careful.
Thank you very much.
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