OCR Text |
Show recreational needs, and operation or construction of reservoirs in such manner that recreational needs will be met in all developments. Where water facil- ities for recreation cannot be supplied as incidentals to other construction, facilities may be constructed primarily for recreation purposes. Cooperative ac- tion, with State and local agencies on all phases, including financing, is envisaged. Decentralization of Industry Elements of a plan for construction and operation include every practicable measure which will en- courage relatively wide distribution of industry in the region. Development of the Columbia-Snake navigation channel to the extent necessary, man- agement of the electric power system so as to en- courage decentralization, and other actions of similar nature are suggested. Unified Operation Plan Storage to achieve objectives of power produc- tion, flood control, irrigation, and other water man- agement purposes will be provided, in considerable part, in multiple-purpose reservoirs. Control of the river to meet each of the objectives to the fullest practicable extent and to achieve the maximum possible benefits will require a single, fully coordi- nated pla.n of operation. Work toward that end should be continued and a direct, responsible organ- izational arrangement which will achieve essential, unified operation should be established to assure full attainment of major objectives. The Rccte of Development No detailed guide for the completion of stages in full development can be presented for any river, since much may depend upon events which may not be foreseen. Economic trends, international affairs, and technological discoveries can influence the composition of any development plan in a sig- nificant m anner. One element of a desirable plan for the Columbia, therefore, is flexibility and adaptability to future trends. With this basic caution, some general suggestions for rate of devel- opment rraay be included among the elements of a plan. 1. Elect jic power facilities should be developed at the maximum rate consistent with efficient use of organization and skilled labor force, availability of materials, financing arrangements and other beneficial uses of streams. No logical reason is seen against constructing continual increments of generating capacity until the full economic poten- tial has been harnessed, at a rate which is con- sistent with recognition of the Federal Government's responsibility to develop power supplies in advance of need, and the requirements of a comprehensive water resources plan. 2. Irrigation areas for which basic facilities have been constructed, or are in construction, should be placed in cultivation. Measures essential for the attainment of this end are to be undertaken at the rate consistent with needs for food and other agricultural products, and an efficient use of organi- zation, materials, and financing. However, agri- cultural services which must be supplied, like credit arrangements and other actions necessary to estab- lish working farms, should be accelerated. 3. Rehabilitation and rationalization of old irrigated land generally is to be undertaken in this order: (a) immediately in those areas where serious damage to land may result from prolonged exposure to present conditions or where serious losses are in prospect by reason of inadequate water supplies; (b) immediately in those areas where it is proven essential to the best use of graz- ing lands in the area, and where it contributes effectively to the grazing economy; and (c) else- where when need for increments of agricultural products is proven for the region, or the Nation. 4. Authorization of construction for providing water for new irrigated lands should be made insofar as consistent with: (a) guiding general recommendations for a program of providing needed increments of agricultural products in the Nation as a whole; and (b) demonstrated need within the region for additional agricultural prod- ucts, farm employment opportunities, and balanc- ing urban industrial development. 5. Intensification of all watershed management programs should be commenced without delay in areas which affect reservoir sedimentation, or where stability of water yields is critical. 6. Preventive measures should be undertaken at the earliest practicable time to forestall future inten- sive developments of flood-susceptible sites where alternative sites for such developments are suitable in the area. Where such preventive action is not possible, needed protective works should be con- structed as practicable. 72 |