Evening star., 1921-02-14
WERCOMM|SS|ON
AUTHORIZES WATER
PROJECTS FOR CITY
Board Will Urge Early Action
by Congress on Tyler
Report.
WILL ASK CONDUIT PLAN
GET FIRST CONSIDERATION
Baker, Payne and Meredith OFF,
cially Sanction Both Tyler and
Geological Survey Plans.

Official authorization for develop
ment of the water power and water
supply projects at Great Falls as
proposed by Maj. N. c. Tyler and
the United States geological survey
In two reports previously submitted
to the Federal Power Commission
during January, was given by that
commission in executive session to-
day.
O. {. Merrill. executive secretary of
the Federal Power Commission, was
instructed by Secretary of War
Baker chairman of the commission,
with the approval of Secretaries
Payne and Meredith. the other two
members OF the commission. to draw
up letter of recommendat tion to
noth houses of Congress, urging early
legislative action, on the Tyler re-
port.
Mr.. Merrill was instructed to ask
especially early consideration of the
proposal for Increased water supply
for Washington, completion of which,
IL is unders> >Ood. Secretary Baker told
the oiher two members of the COM
mission is vitality necessary for the
health and welfare of the residents
of the city.
The letter to be drawn up by the
executive secretary will be sent to
the Speaker of the House and the
days.
Trnde Board to Act,
The commissions special recom-
mendation that steps be taken as
soon as possible to increase the capf-
tails water supply will result In the
petitioning of the senate by the
Board of Trade to make an appropri-
ation at this session of Congress for
starting the work
Francis X. Weller. chairman OF the
water supply committee of the boa I'd.
Will see members of the Senate an
preparations committee tomorrow and
suggest that an emergency appropri-
a.ion be provided tnrough a rider to
the deficiency bill which recently
passed the House. =
1t is Mr. Weller's opinion an initial
appropriation of $200. coo will be euffi-
cient for surveys and other neces-
sary preliminary work
The power boards decision WAS re-
ceived with qualification by the Dis.
trict Commissioners. The Commits
sioners are in entire accord with the
conclusion that no time should be lost
in making Washington secure against
danger of a serious break in it's
water works system.
Decision Is Unanimous.
The action taken today by the COM
mission was in lieu of a personal rec
ommendation by the chairman which
would necessarily have to be approved
by Secretaries Payne and Meredith.
Copies of the letter of recommended
tion decided upon today will be sent
to the members of the commission for
their approval
1t was understood that the mem
berS of the commission are unanimous
in agreeing that both the Great Falls
projects should receive the earliest
possible consideration by Congress.
and that while both projects should
be considered. the water supply pro-
posal should come first. Therefore.
Mr.. Merrill explained after the ex-
ecutive session. the water supply pro-
poSal of the geological survey and
those portions of the Tyler report
looking to development of this project
will be recommended to Congress to
be considered first.
Must De Considered Jointly.
Secretary Baker. however, pointed
out that as both proposals are essen
TALLY involved with each other for
construction purposes. they will have
to be considered jointly. At the same
time construction of dams and con-
duits, as proposed in the geological
survey report and certain sections of
the Tyler report, may be undertaken
without involving any disarrange-
ment of the water power construction
plans, it was explained.
Secretary Baker. who has consist
emily manifested interest in the water
supply project. brought up the Great
Falls proposals. and. it was under
stood. was first in recomme nding that
Congress be asked to take favorable
action.