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Show fine the attitudes and aspirations of the people of the region, so that these may shape so far as pos- sible the objectives of comprehensive river basin development. Social and economic data are used to understand the structure and operations of re- gional organizations-both governmental and community- so as to secure their widest participa- tion in the total river basin program. Finally, social and economic data help to iden- tify essential characteristics and problems of sub- areas, features common to the entire river basin, and relations between the river basin and the Na- tion. Each of these considerations has directed the organization of TVA social and economic research. Inadequacy of United States Census data.-The United States Census data are inadequate for proper appraisal of the economic and social condi- tion of the Tennessee Basin area. Census data gathered by customary methods and classified by politically established boundary lines frequently are not satisfactory in an area bounded by physical features rather than State and county lines. The census data are also inadequate for purposes of year-to-year evaluation and program planning. Present important gaps in data.-The most im- portant gaps in available data are in time frequency, special area coverage, and definitions. Data col- lected independently, as by the various State agencies, often lack comparability desirable for basin-wide coverage. Although social and economic data adequate for the specialized purposes of river basin planning and measurement of river basin program accomplish- ments are not all available at present, progress is being made toward obtaining them. For example, special analyses of benefits of such programs as power use, navigation improvement, forest manage- ment, and recreational development have extended knowledge significantly in terms of both findings and method. Partly as the result of TVA coopera- tive arrangements with State agencies, gaps in social and economic data in many fields are being nar- rowed. The fact that cooperative arrangements often include several States in a common effort has operated to increase the comparability of data be- tween areas. However, more complete data are essential. A few examples of fields to be covered are: the marketing of low-grade forest products; the social benefits of land use adjustments; and the place of credit in achieving changes in land use and farming methods. There are many others. Conclusions More adequate knowledge of social and economic conditions and forces in the Tennessee Valley Basin is needed. The methods for coordinating State and local planning activities with those of the Federal agency responsible for economic and social rehabilitation programs are effective and should be continued. Information and advice should also be interchanged in order to make up-to-the-minute materials avail- able for the benefit of the citizens. All Federal agencies can usefully give attention to the special needs of data compilation in areas where regional development programs are being undertaken. 7. Basic Data for Physical Planning and Operation The Problem Extent to which basic resource data available are adequate for planning and operating purposes. The Situation After the water resources program began in the Tennessee Valley, serious efforts were made to ob- tain necessary basic hydrologic and other data. The TVA undertook to ascertain essential gaps in the available information and to fill them. As a result, many additional hydrologic stations have been established at key points throughout the entire watershed. Many new stations were established in the headwater areas where knowledge of water data was meager, yet most important. Intensity precipitation stations have now been established giving adequate hydrologic data for nearly all purposes. Although a fairly dense network of stream flow stations now exists, additional stations are needed. Only about half the needed facilities have been installed. New stations are being installed from time to time so as to provide information as it be- comes needed and to increase the operational effec- tiveness of the various reservoirs and power plants. All of these hydrologic records will become increas- ingly valuable. To supplement this information, data on soil moisture are also being collected. Such informa- tion furnishes indications of the absorptive capacity of the soil, water losses from the soil by evaporation and by vegetation, the movement of water through the soil, and the availability of soil water for stream 911610--51- -51 779 |
