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Show tunity to shew the relationship between projects and per- mit the selection of projects to be built in the most desirable sequence. In the preparation and execution of such a plan regional and local heeds should be given care- ful consideration beginning at the field level and should be satisfied insofar as consistent with the national needs. The plan, while taking into account all reasonable future needs, should be based primarily on present and imme- diately foreseeable requirements. Planning for basin developments should be predicated on (a) flexible over-all plans which are adaptable to changing conditions, (b) realistic determination of ap- propriate stages for refining the plan and developing units in it, (c) recognition of the data needed in the dif- ferent stages and establishing programs for accumulating the data. Improvements in the basin which are economically justified in their own right, definitely needed, and which will not interfere with other worth-while projects should go forward. When they have an important bearing on or are related to other water resources developments, they should be incorporated in the basin-wide development plan. Whenever feasible and economically justified, multiple- purpose projects should be constructed when the purposes to be served can be developed at less cost than by separate single-purpose projects and when it is found to be desir- able and in the public interest. Planning and design of projects.-First of all, in plan- ning water-development projects to fit into the basin plan, the need for each project must be established. The mere fact that a project is physically feasible is not sufficient. Once the need has been determined the type of project to be constructed must be selected, and then its scope of magnitude must be fixed. This will be influenced by its position in the basin plan and by economic consid- erations. It should not be overbuilt or underbuilt. In the formulation of plans for a project in the basin plan, adequate basic data are essential if success is to be achieved. Some of the data required is of the long-term variety, such, for example, as hydrology. Also, of great importance in. project planning is a determination of the method of operating the project. Design must consider fully the operating requirements, otherwise the finished project will be at least less useful. The probable effect of existing related developments and the need, type, and scope of such developments as do not exist should be considered. The fullest cooperation should be practiced between Federal agencies and with State and local agencies, as well as with private concerns and interests, beginning at the field level, and extending through all reviewing authorities. Lastly, and of controlling importance, is the matter of project justification. The estimated benefits to be de- rived should exceed the cost of the project, else it should not be constructed. Also, there should be a comparison of the project with any known alternatives to ascertain the possibility of their adoption. Operation of projects.-Those engaged in operating projects should be fully informed concerning the back- ground of the planning and design stages, particularly in the case of a planned integrated operation of projects in a system. There should be a continuous collection of hydrologic and other data essential to the proper operation of the projects. A specially devised system of forecasting meteorological conditions to which the area is subject should be provided to aid in water control operations. Local Cooperation The interest of the State and local groups has an im- portant part to play in the development of a project, and in its success. Unless the people support a program or project, it cannot be of maximum benefit. There should be a demand for the project. In the planning stage all of the local people, and especially the local newspapers, should have detailed information regarding the plans pro- posed and how they will affect the interests of the indi- vidual, both beneficially and adversely. Often projects and programs can be developed only with the support and interest of the people or the States. Cooperation With States and Local Agencies In order to develop greater local interest, and to in- crease the real value of projects as a part of the local economy, it appears desirable to provide for greater State and local participation in the planning of projects. Many States have agencies authorized to plan the development of water resources. Some State agencies have plans at present for the fuller realization of benefits from these resources. These States would welcome the opportunity of cooperating, and the resulting projects or programs would have the more active support of the State and local groups, and thus would be of greater value and produce greater benefits through such support. It, therefore, appears desirable to foster such coopera- tion between the Federal agencies and States, through them individually and through State compacts where ap- propriate. Beneficiaries and Cost Allocations All direct beneficiaries of a project should return to the Federal Government an appropriate share of the costs. Thought should also be given to some types of secondary benefits, in order that costs may be shared in some ratio to benefits received. The Miami Conservancy District illustrates a method of assessing charges. Many definite beneficiaries are not required to reimburse the Federal Government, even though the benefits are real and acknowledged. The chambers of commerce, the utilities such as the railroads and power companies, and the contractors are the primary ones who urge develop- ments, such as irrigation or drainage projects. Persons other than farmers receive direct benefits from the water development, but pay no part except through general taxation. As another example, in the New Haven navi- gation project, waste material from excavation saved the Highway Department $1 million in costs of highway loca- tion, by use of dirt for fill; but the State made no con- tribution for this direct saving. The States as a Vehicle for Collecting Costs The negotiation of contracts with States, to provide for collections which cannot be made in full from direct beneficiaries, should receive consideration as a prerequisite 414 |
