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Show would be preferable to previously proposed down- stream reservoirs. Objections to the Tuttle Creek Reservoir Project in the Kansas Basin by residents in the reservoir areas have been lessened by a study of alternative upstream reservoirs suggested by local interests- The following summary shows the results of studies comparing three plans for upstream control with the plan for Tuttle Greek. Plan Drainage area controlled Total cost Benefit-cost ratio Total area inundated I.............. Square miles 7,888 7,889 7,888 9,556 $76,185, 000 91, 623, 000 85,411,000 58, 459, 000 0.79 .69 .73 1.26 Acres 55, 100 63, 100 59, 700 53, 500 II............. Ill.......... Tuttle Greek___ The alternative upstream plans would control less drainage area than Tuttle Creek, cost con- siderably more, have substantially lower benefit- cost ratios, and result in the inundation of larger areas of land. Objections have been raised to operating the Garrison Dam with the pool higher than elevation 1,830 because it would inundate irrigation lands and urban property in the vicinity of Williston, N. Dak. These objections led to the inclusion in certain appropriations acts of the provision, "That no part of this appropriation shall be available or used to maintain or operate the Garrison (N. Dak.) Reservoir at a higher maximum normal pool eleva- tion than 1,830 or for constructing dikes or levees which would be required by a higher maximum normal pool elevation than 1,830 for operating such dam." It was the intent of the objectors not to prevent ultimate operation of the pool at 1,850, but to limit the operation to 1,830 until the need for the higher level was demonstrated and until the engineering problems raised by adjustment to operation at the higher level were solved. The pro- vision was omitted from the 1950 Civil Functions Appropriations Act. Conclusions In undertaking reservoir construction in the Mis- souri Basin, realistic appraisals must be made of inundated properties, taking into account the earn- ing or producing power of lands and improvements, and the indicated losses compared with the antici- pated project benefits from the basin and regional point of view. Where the objections are valid in terms of the over-all advantages of proposed plans for water resources development, modifications of projects, or alternatives thereto, should be sought. In many cases persons affected by reservoir proj- ects are not adequately informed as to the over-all objectives and benefits of the plan. Disseminating adequate information on the program, and con- certed and positive actions to alleviate the distress of displaced persons and lessen the impact of adverse effects upon the local economy would do much to reduce opposition. When these things have been done and the con- flicts are still not resolved, it becomes necessary to weigh the desires of local interests in preventing land inundation against the broader interests of the basin or the Nation. The problems associated with the inundation of lands and improvements by reservoir developments in the basin indicate the need for: (1) An accurate appraisal of the values of inun- dated properties, including the earning or producing power of lands and improvements. (2) Sound estimates of the benefits from the project, including both those of a local nature which would tend to compensate for the losses to local activities and those of broader regional significance. (3) Complete investigation of alternative sites or means of accomplishing project objectives, in- cluding full consideration of effect on entire multi- ple-purpose program. (4) The dissemination of full information on the objectives of the development. (5) Reimbursement of State and local taxing units for hardships resulting from impairment of the tax base resulting from flooding. (6) Adoption of a program of assisting those to be relocated to minimize hardships and reduce fear and resistance to change. This assistance should not be limited to property owners. (7) Full understanding of the local road system in the reservoir area, and replacement of adequate substitute facilities. If conflicts cannot thus be resolved, the need for Federal projects in terms of State, basin, and na- tional interests should be controlling. 229 |
