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Show which test-demonstration farms and communities for experimenting with TVA fertilizer were estab- lished, resulted in the organization of cooperative soil conservation associations throughout the Tennessee Valley. The main activity of these as- sociations has been the purchasing and handling of fertilizers. The Authority has assisted these asso- ciations in organization and management. Con- currently, the land-grant colleges have increased their aid to cooperative organizations of farmers, particularly with a view to improving the admin- istration and operation of agricultural cooperatives. By the end of the fiscal year 1949, there were 6 federated cooperative associations and 10 un- affiliated county organizations which served all but 10 of the 125 valley counties. In western North Carolina, northern Alabama, and western Kentucky, local groups have formed regional development associations, each interested in advancing the industrial and related develop- ment of an area embracing 10 or more counties. TVA has rendered no financial assistance to such groups, but has advised them on the problems and opportunities in their areas. Key agencies in relations with municipalities.- Except in the case of the power program, TVA re- lations with the municipalities are carried on directly with the municipal governments proper, and with appropriate branches and officials of such governments. Thus, for example, in connection with local parks on TVA lands, reservoir water- front lands, and zoning of land use in TVA-affected areas, municipal planning commissions have co- operated effectively. In some locations they have aided in working out solutions to serious problems of housing for construction employees. Most of the valley cities are members of munici- pal leagues. They exchange information and view- points with TVA and other agencies in matters of mutual interest. Municipal power distribution systems, whether established under general State enabling legislation or under special legislative acts applicable to par- ticular municipalities, are often administered, in accordance with these statutory provisions, by quasi-independent power boards. Other cities and towns operate their electric distribution system through a regular department of the municipal government directly under the control of the city council or other governing body. The widespread existence of publicly owned and operated power distributed systems has led to the creation of State and regional organizations to fur- ther the common interests of the local power agencies. Rural electric cooperatives which dis- tribute TVA power have formed or joined State associations which may include cooperatives outside , the TVA service area. Municipal power boards and electric cooperatives throughout the service area have joined together in forming the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. Special problems of dealing with State, local, and regional organizations.-(1) Concepts of policy differing from TVA's. TVA has regarded policy making as a process involving continuous collabo- ration with State and local agencies and groups. However, in the past there have been some differ- ences of opinion between some local groups and TVA on payments in lieu of taxes, highway re- location in reservoir areas, distribution of electricity from TVA generating facilities, and location of reservoirs. The controversy over Douglas Dam was an example of the last. Construction of this dam was opposed locally because of prospective inundation and other adverse effects. Generally, such issues now seem to have been resolved. One remaining difference relates to highway relocation in reservoir areas, but since all major reservoir con- struction has been completed it is not considered important. Some farm groups favor soil conser- vation districts, which TVA has not encouraged, preferring the demonstration farm procedure. (2) Local technical knowledge. Experience has demonstrated that local agencies and people are willing and able to develop technical knowledge with comparatively little assistance. Organization and efficient operation of municipal and coopera- tive electric power distribution systems required much local administrative and technical knowledge. That knowledge was found or locally developed with surprisingly little difficulty, and has been used fully. The same type of local capacity was dis- covered in the agricultural program, in local plan- ning to take advantage of opportunities created by reservoirs, and in other phases of improvement. (3) Attitude toward Federal initiative. TVA now is looked upon by the people as one among many agencies belonging to them. TVA has re- garded development of the region as a coopera- tive venture which could never succeed unless the people of the region, with their agencies and institutions, participated fully. Thus, when the utility properties of the Tennessee Electric Power Co. and other subsidiaries of the Commonwealth & Southern Corp. were purchased in 1939, the pur- chase was a joint venture of 25 cities and towns 761 |