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Show opportunities for real income and fairly distributes them, and is likely to be consistent with a national plan for water development. Full Development of Hydroelectric Generation Potential Full economic development of the potential hy- droelectric capacity of the Columbia and its tribu- taries should be sought. Such development is de- sirable because: The Pacific Northwest region lacks mineral fuel sources, and is relatively distant from deposits in other regions. Electric power must be the mo- tive force for all industry in the region. Compared to national standards, Columbia elec- tric power is relatively low-cost. There is at present no visible ceiling on the needs' for light metals, which require abundant electric power for efficient production. Abundant available capacity for light metals production, fur- thermore3 must be considered a national defense necessity. Further industrial development of the Pacific Northwest is desirable. It is essential to provide employment opportunities for the expected rapid increase In population. Such development also can assist in decentralization of defense industry, provision of opportunities for people migrating into the area, and in raising the level of economic de- velopment, which, for important parts of the region, is below trie national average. Full Economic Development of Irrigable Lands Full economic development of irrigable lands should be sought, to assist in meeting regional and national food, fiber, and other material needs. Such needs will be contingent upon the level of total population reached, the standards of con- sumption and waste, and the development of alter- native means of production. A principal addition of agricultural production within the Columbia area, because of its climatic handicaps, must come from irriga.tion. Not only total food and material needs must be consider-ed, but also special needs. The potenti- alities of Columbia Basin irrigated lands for pro- viding the yet unsatisfied requirements for animal proteins, fraits and vegetables, make their further development worthy of consideration. The stra- tegic desira-bility of having a self-sufficient regional food supply in a future important industrial region is an added reason. Finally, such development may be necessary to preserve a desirable balance between rural and urban population in an area which is likely to become much more heavily industrialized than now. A possible full develop- ment of the estimated 4 million acres remaining to be irrigated therefore should be considered in a plan for ultimate development. Rehabilitation and Rationalization of Old Irrigated Lands Rehabilitation of lands already within reach of water, and either now farmed or recently farmed as irrigated lands, should be undertaken. The safeguarding of an irrigation investment already made or its rehabilitation can contribute toward the same objectives as new development. In most in- stances this will be at lower cost than new develop- ment. Rehabilitation of old irrigation systems by drainage improvements, canal repair and similar measures, therefore, should be considered in a plan for full development. Where applicable, efficient use of water on irrigated lands through encouragement and introduction of more efficient methods of water distribution, like sprinkler sys- tems, also may enter the plan. Flood Control The principal natural handicap of the region, aside from insufficient precipitation, comes in the floods which occur in the lower valley, and in the constricted valleys of some tributaries. Ele- ments of a full plan therefore include provision for preventive planning, as for example zoning and flood warning, so as to eliminate further inten- sive development on flood plains where alternative sites are available. It includes provision for pro- tection of developments now occupying flood- susceptible areas as far as economically feasible on the lower Columbia, Willamette, Kootenai, and other tributaries. Navigation Elements of a plan for full development include the authorized and recommended improvements for deep-draft navigation on the lower Colum- bia River; for barge traffic on the Columbia above Kennewick, Wash., and on the lower Snake River to Johnson's Bar, above Lewiston, Idaho; and for general navigation on the Willamette and Yam- hill Rivers; together with side channels, turning basins, small boat basins, harbors of refuge, and other essential navigation facilities. Possibilities 70 |
