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Show 99 Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors.-In connec- tion with preparations for navigation improvements, an impor- tant function is performed by the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors, the creation of which in the Office of the Chief of Engineers was authorized by Congress in 1902.141 All reports on examinations and surveys and all projects or changes in projects for works of improvement are referred to the Board, consisting of seven engineer officers, for its consideration and recommendation.142 One of the purposes in providing for the Board was to insure greater uniformity in recommendations and reports.143 The Board submits to the Chief of Engineers its recommendations on the commencing or continuance of im- provements on which reports are required. In considering such works and projects, the Board is required to have in view the amount and character of commerce exist- ing or reasonably prospective which will be benefited by the improvement; the relation of the ultimate cost, both as to con- struction and maintenance, to the public commercial interests involved; the public necessity for the work; and the propriety of its construction, continuance, or maintenance at the expense of the United States.144 "Commerce" is defined to include the use of waterways by "seasonal passenger craft, yachts, house m Act of June 13,1902, § 3, 32 Stat. 331, 372, as amended, 33 U. S. C. 541. 142 Originally composed of five engineer officers, the Board's membership was enlarged to seven by Congress in 1913 with a specification that a ma- jority shall be of rank not less than lieutenant colonel. Act of March 4, 1913, § 4, 37 Stat. 801, 826, 33 U. S. C. 541. ia H. Rep. No. 795, 57th Cong., 1st sess., p. 3 (1902). During debate in the House on the 1902 proposal, the Chairman of the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, Representative Burton, stated that, "It is true that to an extent we can decide upon these reports and recognize the different standards adopted, but it is very desirable that a uniform standard should be adopted by the Executive Department, and that a board of engineers, five in number, familiar with all the works in the country, should review them before they are sent to Congress." 35 Cong. Rec. 2913. The Chief of Engineers has stated that "The review is for the purpose of determining the economic and engineering justification of the projects reported upon." Annual Repobt of the Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, p. 2649 (1949). 144 Act of June 13,1902, § 3, 32 Stat. 331, 372, 33 U. S. C. 541. |