If the focus shifts from water to land, from remediation to prevention, and from physical sciences to social and community issues, then curtailing inland communities' development and reducing surface run-off could suddenly become a priority in the new agenda. We all need to work together to shape the new agenda so that it respects inland realities. Given the trends in both nations to push services and responsibility to local levels, I propose that technical assistance to local governments be made a top priority in both nations. This would be a responsible thing to do and does not require more studies. Telecommunications could make it more feasible than we now realize.
Technical assistance is also user friendly.
Because it is not punitive in nature, people at local levels can accept it readily in a problem-solving context. It fits the politics and the situation. It is consciousness raising and genuinely cost effective. Best of all, it could attract a broad base of support throughout the Great Lakes Basin because it is collaborative, and helps to solve problems at local levels. Terry H. Martin has worked for more than 20 years in western New York on issues related to urban and rural development, local comprehensive planning, community and waterfront revitalization, quality of life in inland communities and environmental protection.