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Show stream pollution abatement, new industrial uses of reservoir margins, and others. Each represents an extension of water programs into associated fields of development, involving the cooperative efforts of TVA and State and local agencies. Attention to regional deficiencies.-An outstand- ing example of TVA's efforts to solve regional problems has been its experiments and programs for distributing fertilizers. The concern for soil pro- ductivity stems from both water control and farm management considerations. Development of cheap fertilizers suited to soil needs, and encourage- ment of their use, have greatly contributed to the growth of the region, just as have integrated reservoir operations, improvement of farm and forest management, and the increase of electric power. Soil improvement has been made a goal of farm management programs, in which national and State agricultural agencies cooperate with TVA. Experiments in new farm uses of electricity, and in such new farming methods and equipment as threshers, hay driers, and food freezers, have led to their application by farmers throughout the area. Attention being given to problems of forest rehabili- tation and to new uses of forest and farm products will have favorable effects on the local economy over the long term. Minerals investigations have like- wise helped to identify new sources of rural wealth. Experiments and studies in these and other fields have been made available to private industry, and have been translated into increased production and greater resources utilization. Encouragement by TVA of State and local plan- ning and development agencies has already focused attention on new development opportunities, par- ticularly on manufacturing and service industries. A major trend of the region is its growing urbaniza- tion and industrialization which has been greatly stimulated by the creation of cheap power and other functions in the program. Technical assistance in municipal and industrial planning has supple- mented and given impetus to State and local efforts in the same direction. General TVA policy on regional development.- The field of TVA interest, while always generally related to its main responsibilities of water control and use, has also been directed to problems of a broader regional character. However, it has not been a general regional planning agency. TVA has never attempted to assume the role of over-all planner or coordinator with powers of enforcing compliance. Its own studies and operations, which point to objectives in terms of potential regional goals such as employment, production, and income, have been used to stimulate a coordinated approach by the region itself. TVA has also used the op- portunities and facilities created by the water pro- grams to encourage and assist State and local in- stitutions with their particular plans and objectives. With a major part of its river improvement activ- ities completed and many of the immediate problems solved, TVA has an opportunity to explore new techniques of using water and related land resources to solve regional problems. Currently under way are studies in water transportation, recreation, agri- culture, nutrition, income, forestry, and public ad- ministration, as well as analyses of social and insti- tutional participation in regional development. These studies may open new fields for action. Conclusions The experience of TVA has shown the wisdom in adjusting a water development program to a re- gional economy so as to maximize its benefits. Also proven is the value of its policy of fitting its operations into and encouraging State and local plans and programs for regional development, rather than attempting to assume direction. Beyond this, the valley experience to date leaves some questions unresolved. One of these is the role of Federal leadership in the broadest regional plan- ning, studies, and legislative recommendations. Should such leadership be left to the initiative of the affected States? If not, should it be under- taken through the medium of the water develop- ment approach, or through a broader interest mechanism of Federal Government in close collabo- ration with State and local interests? Is regional planning best separated from all construction and operational interests? Further light may be shed on these broad ques- tions and their implications by the future experience of TVA and other approaches to water and regional development. The suggestion from the experience of the Authority up to 1950 was that a water resources program provides an opportunity for Federal leadership in the broader aspects of unified regional development provided certain conditions are met. These are: (1) integration of the pro- gram so that there is a central, responsible organi- zation for coordination in the region; (2) respect for the very important role which local people, local organizations, local governments, and the States should play in such a program; and (3) in- 765 |
