OCR Text |
Show 379 authorization for appropriations, but it should be noted that Congress in 1940 fixed a maximum federal expenditure on any- one project of $50,000, which limit was increased to $100,000 in 1949.159 Water Conservation and Utilization Act "For the purpose of stabilizing water supply and thereby re- habilitating farmers on the land and providing opportunities for permanent settlement of farm families," the Secretary of the Interior is authorized, after specified collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture, to investigate and construct, operate, and maintain certain "water conservation" and utilization projects in the Great Plains and arid and semiarid areas of the United States.160 Reference has previously been made to this legislation in our discussion of irrigation.161 As there indicated, no new projects have recently been initiated under this unique legis- lation. Its significance here lies in congressional recognition of the direct relationship between land and water. Not only is that true of the provisions referred to above, but also it is evident from other provisions of the Act, including those whereby the Secretary of Agriculture, through cooperative agreements with the Secretary of the Interior, may acquire lands, prepare them for farm use, and aid and supervise their settlement.162 Credit Facilities Indirectly but importantly related to federal interest in con- servation practices on nonf ederal lands are several enactments providing favorable credit facilities for financing farm owner- ship and land improvement through private initiative. 169 § 7, 50 Stat 870, 16 U. S. C. 590x; Act of October 14, 1940, § 7, 54 Stat. 1119,1124, as amended by the Act of June 10, 1949, 63 Stat. 171, 16 U. S. O. 590z-^i (Supp. III). 1<wAct of August 11, 1939, § 1, 53 Stat. 1418, as added by Act of October 14,1940,54 Stat. 1119, as amended, 16 U. S. O. 590y et seq. 161 See aupra, pp. 243-245. 182 § 5, as added by Act of October 14,1940, 54 Stat. 1119,1122, as amended, 16 U. S. C. 590z-3. |