As a result, decision-making and subsequent action are slowed or prevented. Washington and Oregon have different water quality standards, and regulatory review processes neither correspond nor dovetail. This can make the permitting process confusing and time-consuming. As a result, economic opportunities may be lost or diminished, and resources may not receive the protection they need. There is a lack of shared knowledge among agencies and across levels of government regarding other jurisdictions' structures, responsibilities, schedules, and contact points.
Jurisdictions are often unable to pursue needed work because of insufficient funding.
Pressures on budgets at all government levels make a long-term coordinated approach both more difficult to accomplish and more critically needed. Some interested parties may be underrepresented because of poor coordination and a lack of common understanding about the decision-making process. As a result, key issues are often raised in an untimely manner, adding to plan or project costs. These factors would make the decision-making process difficult even in a constant world. The process is made even more challenging by continually changing values and perceptions over time.