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Show and the quality of forest greatly improved if the growth capacity of the land is fully realized. Water pollution control will contribute to the future industrial development of the basin. There is an abundant supply of water to support a large industrial and domestic expansion. It is not now seriously polluted. As industrial activity increases in the area, additional demands will be made on the streams for water supply and for disposal of domes- tic and industrial wastes. Careful planning is needed to maintain or improve the present quality of the water. The hydroelectric power capacity of the Ala- bama-Coosa River and the Tombigbee will, when developed, provide abundant electric power to stimulate industrial development with all its accom- panying benefits throughout the southeast region. The potential Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway, though outside the Alabama-Coosa Basin, will, when constructed, stimulate further industrial activity throughout this basin and the Southeast. This major potential water transportation route from Mobile Harbor north to the Ohio River and Great Lakes will connect this southern region with the great agricultural and industrial centers of the Nation. Conclusions Full development of the water and land resources of the Alabama-Coosa Basin should be planned in order to stimulate industrial and economic growth by providing ample electric power, improved water transportation, flood protection, stabilized agricul- tural production, and a regulated source of water supply. Soil conservation measures, flood control, forest management, and pollution abatement will encourage additional enterprise. Convenient recreation opportunities, improved conditions for fish and wildlife, and other important collateral benefits also will be made available for the well-being of the growing population. There is need for a regional development pro- gram embracing not only the Alabama-Coosa Basin but the whole Southeast, to take advantage of in- tegrated electric power facilities, to counteract the migration of people from this area, and to improve living levels to a stage comparable with other re- gions of the Nation. D. Program Procedures 1. Acquisition of Property in Reservoir Areas The Problem Local hardship involved in land and property ac- quisition for reservoir purposes and its alleviation. The Situation Under present procedures, when a reservoir project is authorized for construction a delay occurs before property is acquired. This results either from lack of appropriations or from deferral of the acquisition program by the construction agency. The delay is extended when a lengthy period of construction is required. When the land acqui- sition program is undertaken, it is completed as rapidly as possible in order to clear the reservoir area for its intended use. These procedures often result in hardships to property owners. After project authorization, property in the reservoir area is generally unsalable because it has no future use other than for flowage. When the acquisition program is started, accelerated purchasing of property immediately puts most of the original owners into the market for replacement of their former holdings. The first type of hardship is particularly severe on a property owner who, due to financial circum- stances, may be forced to sell his holdings before the Federal agency is able or ready to buy. The ab- normal market could result in his receiving a greatly reduced price and in consequent financial loss. Moreover, with impending dislocation, a property owner is deterred from making improvements which might permit him to realize a better return on his investment. This state of suspense and uncertainty can be resolved only when he disposes of the affected property and is relocated in another area. When property is purchased, most owners will want to relocate in the same general vicinity where they can carry on their accustomed endeavors. In an agricultural area, farmers would normally pre- fer to buy farms of the same type and quality as their previous farms so that they can continue to use the knowledge, equipment, and experience they possess. The sudden competition in the local mar- ket may so inflate prices that some owners required to move will not be able to locate where they wish, and those who do may suffer a loss because of the higher price they are forced to pay. The Corps of Engineers is not authorized to pro- vide relief in relocating displaced families and, while property owners are paid for their land, no consideration is given tenants. Such assistance as 563 |