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Western Water Cooperative Committee

A Federal Advisory Committee

Purpose:  The purpose of the Western Water Cooperative Committee (WWCC) is to ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) flood control projects in the Western States, are operated consistent with congressional directives by identifying opportunities to avoid or minimize conflicts between the operation of USACE projects and water rights and water laws in such States.  The eighteen (18) Western States are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

The WWCC shall develop and make recommendations to avoid or minimize conflicts between the operations of USACE projects and the water rights and water laws of Western States. However, in carrying out its duties, the WWCC shall make recommendations that only apply to Western States; and shall ensure that any recommended changes or modifications to policy or regulations for USACE projects would not adversely affect water resources within the State of Missouri.

Membership:  The WWCC shall be composed of:

  1. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (or a designee);
  2. The U.S. Army’s Chief of Engineers (or a designee);
  3. One representative from each of the 18 Western States, who may serve on the Western States Water Council, to be appointed by the Governor of each State;
  4. One representative with legal experience from each of the 18 Western States, to be appointed by the Attorney General of each State; and
  5. One employee from each of the impacted regional offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as determined by the BIA

Authorization: The WWCC was established under section 8158(a)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263) and in accordance with chapter 10 of title 5, U.S.C. (commonly known as the Federal Advisory Committee Act or FACA) and 41 C.F.R. § 102-3.50(a).

Approval: The WWCC Charter was approved in February 2025.

Committee Meetings

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Expand List item 38494Collapse List item 38494  Upcoming Meetings

In-person meeting of the Western Water Cooperative Committee, a Federal Advisory Committee, will take place:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – Thursday, December 4, 2025
8:00am MT – 5:00pm MT
Radisson Hotel Bismarck, Wyeth Room
605 E. Broadway Avenue
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501

The purpose of this meeting will be to:

  • Ensure a common basis of understanding of the laws, regulations, and policies shaping USACE water management activities;
  • Identify focus areas for recommendations by the Committee for the first annual report; and
  • Establish the Committee’s calendar.

This meeting is open to the public. The Federal Register Notice is posted here.

Comments or requests to speak at the meeting should be submitted in writing at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting to the Designated Federal Officer, Mr. Sean L. Smith, at WWCC@usace.army.mil.  Electronic mail is the preferred mode of submission.

Agenda: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

  1. Welcome
  2. Western Water Cooperative Committee overview
  3. USACE’s Water Management Mission & Western State projects

Agenda: Thursday, December 4, 2025

  1. State priorities
  2. Public Comment period
  3. Coordination and Next Steps
     
Expand List item 38496Collapse List item 38496  Past Meetings