Water Resource Administration & Funding Task Force
Center Contribution: The Center supported an independent evaluation panel during the congressionally mandated evaluation of the Initiative by providing neutral resources that ensured a credible and thorough review. Center staff identified highly qualified panel members from throughout the nation, conducted interviews, a survey and a literature review, designed and organized hearings, and provided report writing support on behalf of the evaluators. The panel’s report recommends that Congress reauthorize the Initiative and makes specific recommendations on how to advance the Initiative’s mandate to protect the marine waters of the Northwest Straits.
Impact and Implications: Congress is expected to consider reauthorization in the near future, and has since almost doubled the budget of the Commission. Grants have been awarded for specific programs based on the evaluation results. The Northwest Straits Commission has undertaken implementation of the recommendations suggested by the evaluation panel. As a pilot project for the Center, this effort introduced a unique and effective local governance mechanism, provided experience in identifying expert resources, and established a knowledge base about a significant region and set of marine, tribal and governance issues. Building from this work, the Center plans to produce scholarly research to provide insight into the strengths and limitations of the governance model. This work will be a resource to others trying to balance regulatory, scientific, business, environmental and other concerns, particularly where there is similar overlapping state, local, federal and tribal sovereignty.
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