OCR Text |
Show and to supplement power resources on major streams of the basin. Additional feasible navigation developments. The Future Basin Completion of the plan as envisaged would have a marked effect upon the whole social and economic structure of the basin. It would result in greater use of electrical power and possible diversification of industry. It would result in clean and safe waters, well stocked with fish, waters that could be widely acclaimed for their healthful and popular recreational opportunities. It would result in a return of the forest as a basic resource and a healthy and prosperous, even if limited, agriculture. It would enable more industrial workers to have rural or suburban homes. On the whole, it would in- crease the prosperity not only of the basin but of all New England. Achieving Water Development Objectives Although the Federal agencies have made exten- sive studies of certain phases of the development of water resources of the basin, there is need for an over-all, multiple-purpose survey encompassing all phases. Partial plans have been made, particu- larly for flood control, navigation, power, and recreation. The planning has been carried on to some extent with a measure of cooperation between the various Federal agencies and the States. Cooperation should be further encouraged and implemented to assure an orderly program and to obtain full flexi- bility in plans. Although certain phases of a program have been prepared, several important problems remain. In the past, as elsewhere in the country, solution has been one of postponement when an important ob- stacle or objection confronted specific proposals. If the basin's resources are to be used fully, such ob- jections will have to be reconciled. Among the issues which may constitute handicaps to full devel- opment are the following: 1. The present lack of consideration by the people of the basin of the possibilities of a program de- signed to make the most of the river's potential- ities. 2. Conflicting attitudes of basin States toward developments in the basin. This may be largely resolved by the completion of compacts or agree- ments between the States. 3. Opposing attitudes on the part of private and public interests concerning multiple-purpose de- velopment. 4. Possible discouragement of industrial expan- sion because of the cost of pollution abatement, and lack of uniform national regulation. 5. Conflicts between use of reservoirs and their watersheds for domestic water supply and recrea- tion. 6. Inundation of lands having agricultural, scenic, or historical value. 7. Recognition of local responsibility in flood plain zoning by States or local agencies. 8. Diversions of water from the basin for use outside. 9. The rate of present research and data collec- tion. Attention to these issues can greatly speed prog- ress. Associated with them are others of an inter- state or interregional character. These latter issues affect not only the Connecticut Basin but the re- mainder of New England as well, and are mainly power problems. The means of achieving a free interchange of electric power between all the States, and the creation of interconnecting power systems, are yet uncertain, and as long as they are uncer- tain, low-rate electric power in New England will be in doubt. In turn, as long as low-cost power is in doubt, future manufacturing in the region is to that extent less likely to expand. In view of the great importance of manufacturing in creating em- ployment, the character of the future power system is probably the most important single issue to be faced. These issues can be solved with the exercise of fairmindedness and tact. But in New England, probably more than in any other region of the country, the closest possible coordination must be sought between the Federal Government, the States, and local private and public interests in planning, constructing, and operating the program for the full development of the water resources of the Con- necticut Basin. There is needed a true regional view which stressses the interest of the public at large. 519 |