USGS and the Arkansas Water Resources Center Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Water Resources Research Act

FAYETTEVILLE -- The U.S. Geological Survey joins the Arkansas Water Resources Center and its many partners in other federal agencies, at universities, and in state and local governments in recognizing the importance of the Water Resources Research Act of 1964.

Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 17, 1964, the act established a national network of water resources research institutes across the United States.

“Water makes life on Earth possible, defines our landscape, and shapes our natural heritage.  It is key to our continued prosperity,” observed Anne Castle, assistant secretary for water and science at the Department of the Interior.  “The keen appreciation of the importance of water resources that was expressed by our nation’s leaders in 1964 appears even more visionary today as we are facing the challenges of population growth, increased demand, and climate change.”

Subsequent amendments to the 1964 act broadened the list of National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR) so that, by 1983, there were 54 institutes, one in each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. 

Fifty years later, the Water Resources Research Institutes, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, continue to fulfill their roles assigned by Congress in 1964. They have produced path-breaking research, developed innovative information and technology transfer programs, and provided training to more than 25,000 students in their 50-year history.

 “The water research partnerships fostered by the Water Resources Research Act are unparalleled,” said Sharon Megdal, Director of the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center and president-elect of NIWR.  “The network of Water Resources Research Institutes connects within states, across regions, and with USGS and other federal agencies to tackle the most pressing water resource challenges of our nation." 

“The Water Resources Research Act has impacted the lives of many students, molding their skills and education to address the water issues facing our nation. I am one of those students. I was a graduate student paid through the Arkansas Water Resources Center and now I have the privilege of directing the center and serving as president of the National Institutes for Water Resources,” said Dr. Brian Haggard. “Water is critical to our economy, food supply and personal needs, and the institutes look forward to solving these issues over the next fifty years.”

The Arkansas Water Resources Center, located on the University of Arkansas campus, is dedicated to assisting the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Institutes for Water Resources in helping local, state, and federal agencies learn to manage the nation’s water resources. Click here to view the USGS press release in its entirety.