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Show Chapter 6 Elements of a Plan for Full Development The Alabama-Coosa Basin must be considered in the light of its relation to the larger region of which it is a part. This river is one of several rivers south of the Tennessee which cut across an area where forest and agricultural lands have been exploited and water resources have been left largely unde- veloped except for power at the Fall Line. De- velopment of this river, which is centrally located in a growing region, will be important because a large and dependable water supply is available which can be regulated by headwater reservoirs and watershed management measures. Further de- velopment of the resources of this basin can be planned most effectively in terms of the possibilities, potentialities, and needs of the southeastern region as a whole. Considered in this manner, the development of the Alabama-Coosa water resources assumes an im- portant place among the water resources programs in the United States. The significance of the re- gion between the Tennessee River and the Gulf of Mexico in the national scene should not be under- estimated. The people of the area are adjusting themselves in the gradual process of change from agricultural to industrial activities, and a continued supply of raw and processed products has been made available to the region and the Nation. Forest prod- ucts, paper, textiles, coal, and steel are the basic in- dustries. The strategic location of the area and its resources will enable it to contribute much to the national welfare and should be increasingly reflected in the welfare of this southern area. Development of the Alabama-Coosa River system will contribute much to the entire region because of its large water and power resources. The ap- proved plans for this river have been directed prin- cipally toward maximum practicable development of hydroelectric power with other associated bene- fits. Abundant low-cost power and abundant water supply are factors which will stimulate the growth of manufacturing industry in this area-an important means for providing expanding employ- ment opportunities so badly needed here. Other problems yet to be resolved concern the land and local water use. Future economic conditions in the area will de- pend on the positive measures taken within the basin and the southeast region and on the trade relations between the United States and foreign countries. Improvement of the existing Tombig- bee-Warrior Waterway so that iron ore boats could go direct from Venezuela to Birmingham, or to permit barging of Venezuelan iron ore from Mobile to Birmingham, would be a major factor in the future of this entire region. Ultimate Objectives of Program The basic objective of a basin program is the improvement of economic opportunities through- out the Southeast. A system of reservoirs to regu- late river flow and increase the low flows is a measure directed toward this end. So, too, is a system of improved land management. This pro- gram may directly or indirectly affect the quality and regularity of river flow but is aimed at the basic goal of improved economic opportunity. Im- proved land management is desirable for its water- shed influences but is directed at stability in agriculture and expansion of food and fiber pro- duction for industry. Fortunately, the specific measures which serve the purpose of water control will serve broader economic objectives. A river basin program aimed at these broad ob- jectives involves the functions of hydroelectric 567 |