Federal Plans for Flood Control

It was natural that the watercourses and their valleys should have had a great influence in the early settlement, trade, and transportation of the United States since they were the lines of least resistance to the vast unexplored inland country. Later, devastating floods occurred in the valleys and protective measures were sought. The first flood protection sponsored by the Federal Government was in the Mississippi Valley followed by protection in the Sacramento Valley, California. In 1925, Federal interest in river planning of broad scope was manifested, which later resulted in the "308" reports of the Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, covering the possibilities of navigation, flood control, water power, and irrigation. By June 30, 1935, nine Federal flood -control projects were in force which were followed by twenty-seven additional projects throughout the country to June 22, 1936, when the general Flood Control Act was approved. A Federal policy was thereby established, 219 main flood -control items were authorized in 46 major basins and localities, and 232 localities were designated for further investigation. Fourteen reservoirs were authorized for the protection of Pittsburgh, Pa., and the Ohio Valley, based upon the "308" reports. The general features of the reservoir system, which contemplates control of flood waters at or near their source, are presented.