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Show 335 cooperating state agencies. This Board is assigned the duty of furnishing technical assistance in the conduct of studies and of reviewing reports of investigations. Federal participation was broadened by 1945 legislation assigning to the Beach Erosion Board the duty of making gen- eral investigations with a view to preventing "erosion of the shores of the United States by waves and currents" and deter- mining the most suitable methods for the "protection, restora- tion, and development of beaches."96 Also added was the duty of publishing such useful data and information concern- ing the erosion and protection of beaches and shore lines as the Board may deem to be of "value to the people of the United States."97 The costs of these general investigations are borne wholly by the United States.98 Provisions of existing law relating to examinations and surveys and to works of improve- ment of rivers and harbors are made applicable, "insofar as practicable," to examinations and surveys and to works of improvement relating to shore protection, except for reference for consideration and recommendation to the Beach Erosion Board instead of to the Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors.99 The 1945 and subsequent River and Harbor Acts have re- quired that reports of surveys on beach erosion and shore pro- tection specially authorized by Congress shall include an: 10° estimate of the public interests involved, and such plan of improvement as is found justified, together with the equitable distribution of costs in each case. Correspondingly, in reporting on cooperative investigations and studies authorized under the 1930 Act, the Beach Erosion Board is required by the 1945 legislation to state its opinion as to:101 (a) the advisability of adopting the project; " Act of July 81,1945, § 1, 59 Stat. 508, 33 U. S. C. 426a. 87 Id. WU. w § 2, 59 Stat. 508, 33 U. S. C. 426b. 100 See, e. g., Act of March 2,1945, § 6, 59 Stat. 10,25. 101 § 3, 59 Stat. 508,33 U. S. C. 426c. 911611-51---23 |