OCR Text |
Show 298 The efficacy of the foregoing provision is expressly made de- pendent upon the availability of "funds to be appropriated by Congress." 230 In the case of reclamation projects, there is no comparable blanket provision. As already noted, however, authority for the development of power and for the lease of surplus power or power privilege is contained in Reclamation Law.231 And we have adverted to repeated instances in appropriation legis- lation where Congress has expressly recognized that transmis- sion facilities constitute parts of reclamation projects author- ized by Congress.232 While applicable only for prescribed areas, certain additional provisions respecting transmission facilities merit notice here. The Tennessee Valley Authority is authorized "to construct, lease, purchase, or authorize the construction of transmission lines within transmission distance from the place where gen- erated, and to interconnect with other systems." 233 Similarly, it is authorized "to construct transmission lines to farms and small villages that are not otherwise supplied with electricity at reasonable rates" in order "to promote and encourage the fullest possible use of electric light and power on farms" within reasonable distance of its transmission lines.234 In the case of projects governed by the Bonneville and Fort Peck Project Acts, the Secretary of the Interior is "directed" to provide and maintain such transmission facilities as he finds neces- sary or appropriate to transmit electric energy to "existing and potential markets," as well as to make interconnections "for the purpose of interchange of electric energy." 23B Preferences.-For many years, various federal statutes re- lated to development of water resources have provided a pref- 230 id. 281 See supra, pp. 239-240. 232 See supra, p. 240. 288 Act of May 18, 1933, § 12, 48 Stat. 58, 65, 16 U. S. O. 831k. 884 § 10, 48 Stat. 64, as amended, 16 U. S. 0. 83li. 285 Act of August 20, 1937, § 2(b), 50 Stat. 731, 732, as amended, 16 U. S. C. 832a(b) ; Act of May 18, 1938, § 2(b), 52 Stat. 403, 404, 16 U. S. C. 833a(b). |