Evening star., 1928-02-18
ASK KPOWERPLANT
AND PARK IN GORGE
Witnesses Tell Senate Group
That Combination OF
Two Is Feasible.

The Senate District committee yes
teroay afternoon heard two witnesses
contend that a combined PARK ano
power project is feasible along the
Upper Potomac, while member OF the
National Capital Park and Planning
Commission fold the committee that for
many years to come the public would
be served best by preserving the area
as q park.
Those who argued for a waterpower
development and park were o. NJ klle
Of the Mohican Hills Citizens ASSocia-
ton of Montgomery County and Jud-
son King of the National Popular Gov
eminent League. Mr.. Kile said views
Of his association are shared by the
Rockville Chamber OF Commerce.
Col w 8. Greeley. chief Of the
peared as a member Of the park COM
mission. urged that the Government
assume control over Great Falls and the
Potomac gorge He said his opinion was
that for many years this area would
render greatest service as a park. He
declared the gorge has great value as
an outdoor laboratory for Government
scientists.
Public View Desired.
CharacteriEing the question as one of
the most important matters before the
District committee in this Congress,
Chairman Capper said the committee
wants 10 get the views OF all organiZa-
tions. He said the committee will
NEE: again next week when any
one else will be heard, The Senator
read into the record a long list Of or
carnations that have indorse6 the
stand Of the park commission for pre-
servation OF the gorge as park.
In fyrN he
er part Of the testimony has been In
support OF the Capper bill. which car
ries out the view Of the park commits
sion. Mr.. Kile and Mr.. King have
been the only witnesses advocating
power development IN conjunction with
q park
Col. Greeley declared the project for
power development is based on t1ypo-
thetical demand for power, which, he
said. does not exist here now.
Conditions May Change.
The speaker said that in the course
Of time. conditions might arise that
would indicate adviSability Of having
power that would serve public bene-
ct. and II could then be considered.
Col. Greeley said the power project
before the Federal Power Commission
would destroy the beauty Of the area.
He added that modification OF power
plans would tend TO minimize effect
on park values.
Mr.. Kiie denied that advocacy OF
power development meant opposition TO
. park On the contrary, he said, his
organization urges O park.
There Is no Inconsistency between
power development and park develop
r1ent. and the present opportunity TO get
development OF economic and esthetic
value should not be lost on the plea
that power development would destroy
scenic beauty" he said.
Nj Kile emphasized that Congress
would not be willing TO appropriate
"a 900 900 10 carry out the park project.
with the possibility of the area being
rooded for power development after a
decade The result of enacting the
Park bill. he contended. would be 70
tle the matter up for an indefinite time.
Questions by Senator Sackett brought
testimony that the saving in cost OF
production by Taterpower is estimated
al about mills which. the Senator
pointed out. would be only one-dfth of
o cent Mr. Kile replied that q saving
OF ] MN would amount 70 $S35 900 a
year.
Denies Unsightliness.
When Senator Capper asked If power
plants would not be unsightly Mr.. Kile
said he Gid not think so. adding that In
some places they are set up against
cliffs, fitting into the landscape.
Mr.. Kfle contended that in addition
20 cheaper current. the power project
would give two bridges on top OF the
dams at Chain Bridge and above Great
Fails. and that lakes created by the
dams would fit into park scheme.
II the Development is BY the Govern
nent, he argued. capital could be OBJ
tanned at 3ix or 4 per cent, whereas
private companies pay 6 and Z per cent.