Water Pollution Control by Interstate Cooperation: A Symposium: Rivers and Harbors in the Delaware River Basin

The degree to which the United States can conserve its, natural resources; under its fundamental principles of constitutional government, will determine how long this n:i,tion can be a "beacon" for other nations. In its allotted sphere of activity, the Interstate Commission on the Delaware River Basin (Incodel) offers an example of a technique for such conservation that is consonant with well-proved democratic procedures. Incodel subscribes to, and functions in accordance with, the principle that the determination of policies· and programs for the development of natural ' resources is primarily the responsibility of local and state governments, and of the people in the region most directly concerned. It freely admits that the central government-the federal government-has a tremendous stake in such programs; but it contends firmly that the entire problem must be approached on the basis of a cooperative partnership in which all interests participate alike. In this spirit, Incodel · has been given authority to act, not only on sanitation problems, but on all aspects of river and harbor development.