OCR Text |
Show A multiple-purpose program for best use of water and land resources is impossible if local opposition to all reservoir construction is to pre- vail. It must be recognized that benefits to be derived from such a program accrue to many peo- ple both within and without the basin, and to the Nation as well, while a relatively small number of people are adversely affected. But it is not fair that this small group should have to bear the brunt of the damages. However, if total values to be gained by the many outweigh the damages to a few, it would appear wise to pro- ceed with such a program and include as part of its cost full consideration for all those who may be affected adversely by it. Conclusions The problems associated with the inundation of lands and improvements by reservoir impound- ment in the Ohio Basin indicate the need for: (1) As realistic an appraisal of the values of inundated properties as is possible. Such ap- praisals should take into account fully the earning or producing power of lands and improvements. (2) A sound estimate of the benefits from the project which would compensate for the losses to local activities. (3) Sympathetic and courteous attention to the desires and views of locally affected interests. (4) Wide dissemination of full information throughout the affected area on the objectives and future accomplishments of the project. (5) Exploration of the desirability of requiring beneficiaries to reimburse local governments for taxes lost as a result of inundated properties. (6) Consideration of the possible relocation or replacement in kind or service of inundated facili- ties, with full recognition given to the peculiar problems arising out of the forced relocation of highway and railroad facilities. (7) Complete investigation of alternative sites or means of accomplishing project purposes. If these elements of controversy have been fully taken into account and the people in the area dealt with patiently there should be no serious difficulty in resolving them. It should be recognized that local opposition to inundation serves its purpose when it results in a thorough appraisal of both the advantages and disadvantages of a comprehensive program, including reservoirs, but that concession to the wishes of all such local interests would effec- tually preclude realization of the benefits of mul- tiple-purpose basin development. 3. Acquisition of Property for Water Resources Projects The Problem Policies and procedures for property acquisition for water resources projects. The Situation Federal land acquisition policy provides gen- erally for the payment of the "fair market value" of the land at the time of acquisition, determined on the basis of all appraisal factors normally considered in determining this value. Local people have opposed the building of reser- voirs in the Ohio Basin as in many other areas be- cause of the inundation of land. Many reasons have been given for this. Opposition has arisen from the floodings of valuable agricultural timber lands or of lands underlain with minerals such as coal, the inundation of communities, scenic or his- torical sites, and the flooding of railroads and high- ways. In some cases, the opposition has developed out of the sentimental attachment of people to the land, in some cases to lands which have been in the family for generations. Where reservoir land acquisition involves a large number of ownership units, the impact of this num- ber of prospective purchasers on the market for lands of comparable quality in the area may be considerable. Federal land acquisition policy rec- ognizes only the determination of the market value of the individual properties taken without consider- ing the loss to a property owner who, if he wants to replace the property, must compete in market with other property owners who are being displaced and must also bear the expense involved in relocating himself on other property. Relocations of such facilities as railroads, high- ways, and utilities are generally made by replace- ments in kind. Under present procedures, when a reservoir proj- ect is authorized for construction a delay occurs be- fore property is acquired. This results either from lack of appropriations or deferral of the acquisi- tion program by the construction agency. The de- lay is extended when a lengthy period of construc- tion is required. When the land acquisition pro- gram is undertaken, it is completed as rapidly as pos- sible in order to clear the reservoir area for its in- tended use. These procedures often result in hardships to the property owners. After project authorization the 688 |