OCR Text |
Show Stage I-For Initial Development The first step in development will be completion of the authorized multiple-purpose survey of the water and related land resources possibilities of the basin and the region. A detailed over-all improve- ment program for the basin thereby will have been determined. This program will constitute a modi- fication and expansion of the presently authorized flood control plans for the area, and will include not only multiple-purpose reservoir and power projects but also related land management, recre- ation, fisheries, wildlife, pollution abatement, and other associated features. Although the authorized survey will develop new criteria and possibly change existing authorizations, it is probable that the program, generally stated, will include a number of the following: Projects under construction: Winsted. channel improvement (flood control), Connecticut. Redevelopment of Holyoke and Wilder power projects. Projects authorized: Corps of Engineers flood control reservoirs, with such substitutions and modifications as may be found advisable after completion of the compre- hensive plan. Power installations in particular, are thought to be essential additions. To be con- sidered among them are 16 dams and reservoirs authorized on the Moose, White, Mascoma, Sugar, West, Ware, and other rivers in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Local flood protection works at points along the main river where present intensive industrial and commercial activity warrants installation. Navigation channel of the 16-foot depth from the mouth to Hartford and a channel for commercial navigation from Hartford to Holyoke, together with certain small boat harbor developments. Power would be developed at Enfield Dam as part of the Hartford to Holyoke improvement. A desiral>le reservoir area acquisition policy and relocation program. Multiple-purpose reservoir and power projects and possibLe redevelopment of other existing power projects as determined by the authorized surveys. Interconnection of basin hydroelectric facilities, as developed, with base-load hydroelectric plants outside the region. Expanding present activities to a basin-wide pro- gram of pollution control and pollution prevention measures, including correction of possible sources of pollution. Restoration of depleted watershed cover in areas where erosion and sedimentation are serious. This would include public acquisition of critical lands in the headwaters area. Expansion of present programs for the preserva- tion and enhancement of fisheries and wildlife in conjunction with planned water use for other purposes. Acceleration of resource surveys and research. A complete sanitary survey of the basin. Completion of various resource surveys, such as industrial surveys, topography, soils, geology, ground water, cover, sedimentation, and possible uses of water for irrigation. Completion of the hydrologic network of precipi- tation and stream-gaging stations, including water quality, and analysis of data from present installa- tions. Research on such problems as wildlife manage- ment, relation of forest cover to water flow, and similar pertinent resource potentials. Completion of fishery investigations. Development of recreation in water projects where feasible. Measures to encourage the expansion of coordi- nated part-time farming and industrial employ- ment. Suitable legislation for authorizing the various parts of the program as needed for their completion, and appropriation of funds necessary to carry out the program. Stage II The second stage is a generation or more in the future and will cover the new developments and needs of the population of the region. It would envisage such matters as: Continued research and resource surveys, includ- ing collection and analysis and interpretation of data necessary to a complete development of the basin, including industrial use of atomic energy. Continued attention to pollution control. Recreational facilities to keep pace with increased population. Continued development of land conservation practices. Investigation and development of sites feasible for further water control, power, and associated uses Investigation and development of feasible small power sites on tributary streams to meet local needs 518 |