The State reaffirms its support of the cooperative approach to the abatement and control of water pollution as embodied in the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Compact. In view of the increases in population concentrations, the growing need of industry and agriculture for water of reasonable quality and the quality requirements of water based recreation and other uses, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission shall develop and maintain its programs, including research on water quality problems, at such levels, including, to the extent necessary, levels above those originally provided when this State first enacted the compact, as may be appropriate.   [PL 1969, c. 166, §1 (NEW).]