OCR Text |
Show 336 (b) what public interest, if any, is involved in the proposed improvement; and (c) what share of the expense, if any, should be borne by the United States. One difference between the 1930 and 1945 Acts merits note. In authorizing investigations, the latter Act specifies that they be made with a view not only to preventing erosion, but also to determining the most suitable methods for the "protection, restoration and development of beaches." Similarly, the 1945 Act gave the Board the added duty of publishing information concerning the "erosion and protection of beaches." Moreover, Congress in 1946 enacted legislation directed spe- cifically toward federal participation in the construction of works for protection of publicly owned shores and the encour- agement of recreation, with this declaration of policy:102 with the purpose of preventing damage to public prop- erty and promoting and encouraging the healthful recreation of the people, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States to assist in the construction, but not the maintenance, of works for the improvement and protection against erosion by waves and currents of the shores of the United States that are owned by States, municipalities, or other political subdivisions: Provided, That the Federal contribution toward the construction of protective works shall not in any case exceed one-third of the total cost. This law requires that the plan of protection be authorized by Congress.103 Also, when the Chief of Engineers shall find that a shore-protection project has been constructed by a local governmental unit in accordance with authorized plans, he shall cause to be paid to such unit the amount authorized by Congress.104 102 Act of August 13,1946, § 1, 60 Stat. 1056, 33 U. S. C. 426e. 108 Id. 104 § 2, 60 Stat. 1056, 33 U. S. 0., 426f. |