Water Resources Planning Act Amendments of 1979

Water Resources Planning Act Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 to provide that such Act will not diminish (instead of change) the authority of any Federal agency or official.

Changes the composition of the Water Resources Council. Provides for a Chairman to be appointed by the President. Requires the Council to report annually to the President and Congress.

Authorizes the Council to provide technical assistance to Federal, State, and local agencies to assist them in implementing principles, standards, and procedures established by the Council. Limits the technical review by the Council. Provides for congressional review of the Council implementation of specified provisions.

Makes the Council Chairman responsible for the appointment of a staff director.

Establishes a State Water Advisory Council to provide for broad national representation in the area of water management, which will meet periodically with the Water Resources Council.

Provides for the appointment and supervision of the river basin commission chairmen by the Council Chairman (instead of the President).

Establishes a Federal program to assist States in water management activities and the development and use of water and related land resources. Conditions such assistance on the State designating an agency to develop a State water management program which meets specified standards. Requires the State's application for assistance to set forth a specific work plan for developing, implementing, or modifying the State program. Sets forth the formula and standards for making allocations to the States. Requires those States receiving assistance to submit annual reports to the Council.