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AUBURN TO HOST WATER RESOURCES CONFERENCE
 | | An irrigation system keeps peanuts watered at the National Peanut Laboratory in this USDA photograph. |
AUBURN, Ala. -- Numerous water quality and water management experts will gather at Auburn University's Dixon Conference Center June 14-15 for the 2007 Water Resources Conference, the first major undertaking of AU's new Water Resources Center.The center, established in January as part of Auburn's new Natural Resources Management & Development Institute directed by Larry Fillmer, seeks to enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for residents of Alabama and other Southeastern states by ensuring the quality and availability of ample quantities of surface and groundwater. This conference, subtitled "Bridging the Gap Between Science, People and Policies," will focus on water policy, watershed issues, irrigation and water conservation as it seeks to attract federal, state and local officials concerned with water quality, scarcity, distribution, and policy, groups concerned with water quality and other water-related issues, representatives from water-related industry as well as scientists, researchers and students. Peter Jutro, deputy director for science and policy at the EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center, will discuss "Securing The Nation's Water Supply," and T. L. Guidotti of the department of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University, will address human health issues related to water during the Thursday morning session. Other Thursday speakers include: Auburn University President Dr. Ed Richardson, Sandra Postel, director of the Global Water Policy Project; University of Georgia professor Dr. Jim Hook; Terry Rolan, president of the American Water Works Association; Allison Jenkins of Alabama's Clean Water Partnership; Marlon Cook of the Alabama Geological Survey; and Aris Georgakakos of the Georgia Water Resource Center. Friday's session will include presentations concerning climate and landscape changes, and the Clean Water Act. Friday speakers include: Liz Kramer of the Institute of Ecology at the University of Georgia; geologist Doug Wilson, executive director of the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center; and Subas K. Sikdar, associate director for science at the EPA's National Risk Management Research Lab. Keith Gray, director of national affairs for the Alabama Farmers Federation, will moderate a panel discussion on state water policy. Members of the panel include: Jim Hayes of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama; Graeme Lockaby, director of the Auburn University Water Resources Center; J. Alan Truitt of the law firm of Mayard Cooper & Gayle; and James Wallner, legislative assistant for agriculture/energy with Congressman Terry Everett's office. For a conference agenda and registration, visit the Web site at
www.nrmdi.auburn.edu/water/conference/2007/agenda.php
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