Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 120.djvu/3361

 120 STAT. 3330

PUBLIC LAW 109–448—DEC. 22, 2006

(i) the additional data necessary to adequately define aquifer characteristics; and (ii) scientifically sound groundwater flow models to assist with State and local water management and administration, including modeling of relevant groundwater and surface water interactions; (2) consider the expansion or modification of existing agreements, as appropriate, between the United States Geological Survey, the Participating States, the water resources research institutes, and appropriate authorities in the United States and Mexico, to— (A) conduct joint scientific investigations; (B) archive and share relevant data; and (C) carry out any other activities consistent with the program; and (3) produce scientific products for each priority transboundary aquifer that— (A) are capable of being broadly distributed; and (B) provide the scientific information needed by water managers and natural resource agencies on both sides of the United States-Mexico border to effectively accomplish the missions of the managers and agencies. (c) DESIGNATION OF PRIORITY TRANSBOUNDARY AQUIFERS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of the program, the Secretary shall designate as priority transboundary aquifers— (A) the Hueco Bolson and Mesilla aquifers underlying parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico; (B) the Santa Cruz River Valley aquifers underlying Arizona and Sonora, Mexico; and (C) the San Pedro aquifers underlying Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. (2) ADDITIONAL AQUIFERS.—The Secretary may, using the criteria under subsection (b)(1)(A), evaluate and designate additional priority transboundary aquifers which underlie New Mexico or Texas. (d) COOPERATION WITH MEXICO.—To ensure a comprehensive assessment of priority transboundary aquifers, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, work with appropriate Federal agencies and other organizations to develop partnerships with, and receive input from, relevant organizations in Mexico to carry out the program. (e) GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary may provide grants or enter into cooperative agreements and other agreements with the water resources research institutes and other Participating State entities to carry out the program. 42 USC 1962 note.

VerDate 14-DEC-2004

12:05 Jul 13, 2007

SEC. 5. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAM.

(a) COORDINATION WITH STATES, TRIBES, AND OTHER ENTITIES.—The Secretary shall coordinate the activities carried out under the program with— (1) the appropriate water resource agencies in the Participating States; (2) any affected Indian tribes; (3) any other appropriate entities that are conducting monitoring and metering activity with respect to a priority transboundary aquifer; and (4) the IBWC, as appropriate.

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