an efficient use of both Federal and State funds for a program which benefits both parties, and also enables the use of consistent techniques of data collection, archiving, and analysis which are important to a national resource assessment. Question 2. Do you believe changes should be made to this program? If so, what changes? Answer. The Cooperative Program has operated very successfully for more than 100 years, based on a model of cost sharing to meet the USGS mission of continuously assessing the Nation's water resources, while accommodating the needs of more than 1,200 State and local water resource planners and managers for hydrologic data and interpretative projects. I do not recommend any fundamental changes to this model. However, in an effort to explore ways of making the Cooperative Program more effective, the USGS has recently initiated a thorough and comprehensive external review of the Program to be conducted by representatives from Federal, State, and local agencies and from the private sector. Question 3. Why has the number of stream gaging stations on rivers across the United States decreased, particularly when the need for reliable information upon which to base forecasts for potential flooding as well as water supply conditions is increasing? Answer. Despite the importance of the stream gaging network, its size has indeed been declining over the past decade. Since 1990, the number of stream gages nationwide has decreased more than 5 percent. In some States, the decline has resulted from decreased funding from other agencies. In most cases, however, the decline has resulted from the effects of inflation and other uncontrollable costs. Some of this loss has been made up by increases in unmatched funding by State and local agencies participating in the Cooperative Program, and by increased funding by other Federal agencies. Question 4. Do you believe the collection of basic data through the USGS monitoring program is more or less important than other USGS initiatives such as the National Water Quality Assessment Program? Answer. I believe that both of these activities are critical to the mission of the USGS. The collection of basic hydrologic data in a consistent manner across the country and over long periods of time is essential to continuously evaluating the Nation's water resources. The National Water-Quality Assessment Program provides the Nation with a long-term evaluation of the status and trends of surface water and ground water quality across the entire Nation. Question 5. Could you tell me what the Geological Survey is doing with the Biological Survey and what you see as the responsibilities of this portion of your agency? Answer. The Biological Resources Division (BRD), formerly the National Biological Service, has been a part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for almost two years (since October 1996). BRD has added an important living resources dimension to the bureau's earth sciences orientation, making it possible for USGS to bring integrated scientific expertise to natural resource management problems. The majority of BRD programs and resources remain directed towards the needs and responsibilities of Interior resource management bureaus. BRD also continues to work cooperatively with Federal and State agencies and other partners to develop a comprehensive picture of the Nation's biological resources. I see many benefits to the Department and USGS' other clients from having research into both living and non-living resources in one bureau where results can be integrated into a comprehensive understanding of critical earth systems. Question 6. There are many challenges before the Geological Survey not the least of which is to assure that the geological resources of the Nation are adequately evaluated and known. Could you tell me your feeling on the need for geological mapping and what you intend to do to exercise your responsibilities under the Geologic Mapping Act. Answer. I believe that geologic mapping is fundamental to virtually all of the other geological investigations of the USGS. Modern digital geologic maps are also increasingly important to understand hydrologic and biologic resource issues. These are benchmark products of the Federal and State geological surveys, and they are used by both government and private industry to catalogue the nation's resources, to direct the search for future resources, and to make educated decisions on the use and protection of those resources. From my experience in State government and in academia, I am well aware of the increasing need for geologic maps, despite the decrease in production of these maps during the last several decades. I am also familiar with the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Act of 1992, its reauthorization in 1997 and the intent of this legislation to work with partners to prioritize mapping, to reverse the decline in mapping, and to train a new generation of field geologists. Through the report of the Federal Advisory Committee for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, I understand that the USGS is in full compliance with the Mapping Act, and that each of the components of the program has been implemented. I intend to continue to fulfill the requirements of the Act and I assure you that I will be vigilant in seeking opportunities to expand this partnership program. RESPONSES OF DR. GROAT TO QUESTIONS FROM SENATOR DOMENICI Question. Dr. Groat, the USGS has been conducting several studies regarding water availability in New Mexico, particularly in the Middle Rio Grande basin in the Albuquerque area. I would like to know your thoughts on the extent USGS should continue quantifying water throughout the basin. Answer. I understand for decades, the USGS has been working cooperatively with multiple agencies in the State of New Mexico to provide scientific data and studies to be used by the water management community and the people of New Mexico. Examples of the agencies the USGS has been working with are: the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico State Engineer Office, and the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources. In 1995, the USGS began working with several of these agencies on an intensive investigation to quantify the ground-water resources in the Middle Rio Grande Basin. This study will be completed in the year 2000 and will provide an updated computer model and assessment of ground-water flow and its interaction with the Rio Grande in the basin. Because ground water is a hidden resource and water demands change over time, however, no one study can provide all the answers. The USGS will continue to work with its partners to answer important new questions regarding the water resources of the Middle Rio Grande Basin well beyond the end of this intensive study. APPENDIX III Additional Material Submitted for the Record Hon. FRANK H. MURKOWSKI, ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN STATE GEOLOGISTS, Chairman, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Washington, DC. DEAR CHAIRMAN MURKOWSKI: I am writing in behalf of our organization in support of the nomination of Dr. Charles G. “Chip” Groat for Director of the U.S. Geological Survey. Our organization represents the heads of the state geological surveys in the 50 individual states comprising our nation as well as those in its territories. As such, we have special insight into the nation's needs related to geoscience, the mission and programs of the U.S. Geological Survey, and the mandate for leadership in that organization. Let me assure you that Dr. Groat is singularly well-qualified for the directorship of the U.S. Geological Survey. Because I'm sure that you already have full documentation of his outstanding credentials, I will not list them again here. Suffice it to say that he has, in full measure, all of the requisite professional and personal attributes and skills required to provide the leadership needed to meet the challenges and opportunities that will confront the U.S.G.S. and our nation in the geosciences as we move into the new millennium. Thus, we urge his speedy confirmation with great enthusiasm, complete confidence and with absolutely no reservations whatsoever the nation and U.S.G.S. would be extremely well-served under his leadership and they deserve no less. During the confirmation process, should you so desire, we would be more than pleased to testify in person at the hearings and expand upon our recommendation and high view of Dr. Groat. With all good wishes to you, your committee and staff as you deliberate this critical appointment, I am Sincerely, LARRY D. WOOD. Hon. FRANK MURKOWSKI, AMERICAN GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR SENATOR MURKOWSKI: The purpose of this letter is to express the American Geological Institute's strong support for the President's nomination of Dr. Charles Groat to serve as Director of the U.S. Geological Survey. We appreciate the numerous pressing issues currently before your committee but believe it is imperative that the leadership of the nation's pre-eminent geoscience agency be installed before Congress adjourns in October. We, therefore, respectfully request that a confirmation hearing be scheduled as soon as time permits. The role of the USGS within the federal government is of paramount importance to the geoscience community that AGI represents. Dr. Groat has the necessary scientific credentials combined with policy background and demonstrated management skills that are critical to the effective oversight of this $1 billion agency and its diverse array of geologists, hydrologists, cartographers, and biologists. He has a particular interest in the effective application of sound science to resource and environmental decision making. We recognize that the USGS is a mission-oriented agency and can only thrive if it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its sister agencies in the Department of the Interior and to the nation as a whole, providing the information necessary for wise stewardship of public lands, resources, and the environment. Dr. Groat is past-president of the Association of American State Geologists and of the Energy Minerals Division of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He has served in a number of leadership positions including Director and State Geologist of the Louisiana Geological Survey and Executive Director of the American Geological Institute. He is currently Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Projects at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he previously served as Director of the Center for Environmental Resource Management. He has taught at the University of Texas at Austin and Louisiana State University. Dr. Groat is a former chairman of the Department of the Interior's Outer Continental Shelf Policy Committee and is a member of the National Research Council's (NRC) Board on Earth Sciences and Resources. He has chaired or served on a number of NRC studies, including those dealing with maintaining production from marginal oil and gas fields and outer continental shelf leasing. He received his A.B. from the University of Rochester, his M.S. from the University of Massachusetts, and his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, all in geology. The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 32 geoscientific and professional associations that represent more than 100,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind's use of resources and interaction with the environment. Please contact us or David Applegate, AGI's Director of Government Affairs, if you or your staff have any questions or would like additional information on this endorsement. Sincerely yours, Hon. FRANK MURKOWSKI, SUSAN M. LANDON MARCUS E. MILLING, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS, Tulsa, OK, August 12, 1998. Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR HONORABLE MURKOWSKI: As President of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a professional geological organization of 31,000 members, I have the honor and pleasure to offer my full support of the confirmation of Dr. Charles G. "Chip" Groat as Director of the United States Geological Survey. Throughout his career, Dr. Groat has built a reputation as a scientist of great breadth and a manager of tact, pragmatism and practicality. Within our Association, Dr. Groat has been an active member of not only the petroleum practice of geology but also the environmental and mineral practices as well. He has demonstrated great skill in communicating the needs and requirements of the ecological and industry sides of the resource management spectrum. These qualities are the essential foundation underlying, the professional stewardship of the Nation's and, indeed, the Earth's resources. We are confident Dr. Groat's common-sense approach and ability to handle these challenging issues will continue to improve the value of the USGS to our Nation. Dr. Groat has AAPG's full endorsement, and we strongly urge swift confirmation. Sincerely, Hon. FRANK MURKOWSKI, DR. RICHARD S. BISHOP, ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN STATE GEOLOGISTS, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR SENATOR MURKOWSKI: This is to request your favorable consideration of the nomination of Dr. Charles G. Groat to head the U.S. Geological Survey. I also re spectfully request that the confirmation hearing be scheduled as soon as possible after Labor Day, and before the Senate's October 8 recess. As past-president of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), and as the North Carolina State Geologist, I offer my highest recommendation for the confirmation of Dr. Groat for the USGS Director's position. I have known "Chip" Groat for many years, and I can assure you he is a person who possesses keen scientific skills along with excellent "people skills", an ability to communicate clearly and manage effectively and fairly. He is also a person of high integrity and is well respected and trusted in geological circles and other communities across the nation. I believe he will do a fine job in balancing the national needs for environmental protection and development of natural resources, and will effectively lead the USGS in providing objective scientific information for the nation's citizens and decision mak ers. The State Geological Surveys and the citizens we all serve need a leader such as Dr. Groat to serve as Director of the U.S. Geological Survey. Your favorable consideration will be appreciated. Sincerely, CHARLES H. GARDNER, P.G., P.E., Hon. JOHN H. ZIRSCHKY, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY, AND SCIENCE, Washington, DC, March 20, 1998. Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Pentagon, Washington, DC. DEAR DR. ZIRSCHKY: My letter to you on November 13, 1997, directed the Army Corps of Engineers to enter into lump-sum contracts with the funds added by Congress for new construction projects that were not included in the President's FY 1998 Budget. The purpose of this action was to give the Administration and Congress additional flexibility as we begin to address the issue of growing future funding liabilities and delays for new and ongoing Army Corps of Engineers projects due to budget constraints. Several members of Congress have taken issue with the fact that the directive does not Currently apply to new construction projects that were requested in the President's FY 1998 Budget. We have reviewed our directive in light of Congressional comments and believe that its application only to new construction projects added by Congress gives the appearance that the directive is being unfairly applied. Therefore, we have modified the directive to include all FY 1998 new construction projects, including the 12 new construction projects that were included in the President's FY 1998 Budget and funded by Congress. A modified list of the projects to which this directive applies is attached.* Thank you for your assistance on this issue. Sincerely, T.J. GLAUTHIER, Hon. TRENT LOTT, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. LEADER: Thank you for your letter of January 23, 1998, regarding funding for the Civil Works construction program of the Army Corps of Engineers. Your letter objects to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) directive of November 13, 1997, to the Army Corps of Engineers to enter into only lump-sum contracts for unrequested new construction starts added by Congress in FY 1998. Final action on the FY 1998 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act resulted in funding for 54 new construction projects that were not included in the President's Budget, and for 12 new projects requested by the Administration. It will require nearly $19 billion of future appropriations for the Army Corps of Engineers *The list has been retained in committee files. |