OCR Text |
Show 561 project operation for purposes in addition to those for which the project was authorized and constructed. Finally, there is the difficulty of conflicts among alternative uses of water. These matters we shall review in the foregoing order. Agency Responsibility.-Under existing statutes, the constructing agency generally operates and maintains the project. A number of exceptions have been provided, how- ever. Outstanding in this respect is the 1944 legislative direc- tion that surplus power generated at reservoir projects under Army control be delivered to the Secretary of the Interior for transmission and disposal.356 But operation of the generating facilities continues under the control of the Secretary of the Army. And the statute does not define the beginning of the transmission system, operation of which is controlled by the Secretary of the Interior. We have already noted that the Secretary of the Interior has the principal responsibility for marketing of federal power, power marketed by the Tennessee Valley Authority being the main exception.357 As earlier outlined, the Secretary's market- ing responsibilities are discharged through several agencies. In some instances, such an agency under his control markets power from a Reclamation project also under his control.358 The foregoing 1944 statute provides for still another division of responsibility in project operation. When the Secretary of the Army determines, on recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior, that any dam and reservoir project under the former's direction may be utilized for irrigation purposes, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to construct, operate, and maintain under the provisions of Reclamation Law such additional works in connection therewith as he may deem necessary for irrigation purposes.859 Such works may be undertaken, however, only upon specific authorization by act 884 Act of December 22, 1944, § 5, 58 Stat. 887, 890, 16 U. S. C. 825s. 887 See supra, p. 300. 358 See supra, n. 243, p. 300. 869 Act of December 22,1944, § 8, 58 Stat. 887, 891, 43 U. S. O. 390. |