Evening star., 1932-11-02
BAN ON PURCHASE
Of FORT DRIVE LAND
PER|LS PROGRAM.
Budget Bureau Turns Down
Planning Commission Re-
quest for 100000.
FORCE OF EMPLOYEES
ALSO MUST BE CUT.
Much of 100000 Balance on Hand
to Be Used for Purchase of
Playground.
Unless Congress takes remedial action

Unless Congress takes remedial action
the elaborate program of the National
Capital Park and Planning Commission
for the development CT the George
Washington Memorial Highway, the
Fort Drive, connecting the Civil War
forts and circling the city and park
and playground expansion here will be
seriously jeopardized.
1t was learned today from sources
close to Col. J. ClaWson Roop, director
of the Budget Bureau, that that agency
has vetoed the request of the commits
sion for 100000 for land purchases
and other items prepared for the 1884
budget.
The Commission tentatively had
mapped out an elaborate program OF
land purchases in the District of Co.
lumbia and in the adjoining areas, for
parks, Fairgrounds and recreation CEN
tiers, however officials say, without suf-
ficient funds for the coming fiscal year
prospects for the future are dim in
deed"
Much land already has been pur-
chased particularly for the Fort Drive
and additional land must be acquired
before it is built upon or becomes SC
valuable that its price will be pro-
hibitive, the officials point out.
Congress Aid Lacking.
The Park and Planning Commission
secured no money from Congress fo1
this years work, but was directed tc
save enough out of the fund on hand
to carry it through. With the Budget
Bureau deciding that it shall have nc
additional money for next years work
not only are land purchasing activities
impaired. but the commissions en-
ployes will have to be sharply reduced
officials say
The commission now has on hand
about 100000, representing funds not
yet expended, but some of which has
already been obligated. 1t is now ne
gotiating for purchase of a playground
in the Northeast section to replace that
eliminated by the Union Station Plaza
development. Purchase of land for this
much needed playground will be costly
and will wipe out a goodly share of the
100000, it is said.
Cabin John Parkway.
In addition, the Federal authorities
are negotiating with the Maryland Ma
tional Capital Park and Planning Com
mission concerning unit No. of Cabin
John parkway, under the Capper-
Cramton act
In the George Washington Memo
rial parkway, on the Virginia side, nc
land purchases have yet been made
except along the Mount Vernon Memo
rial Highway. which forms an important
link in the project. The Virginia Leg
islature has authorized the expenditure
of S25,000 by the State and $4,000 by
it's political subdivision. this total to be
matched with $4,000. by the Federal
Government. This Virginia money
however, does not become available
until after July l.
Small Tract Acquired.
In the George Washington Memorial
Parkway In Maryland only one small
tract, comprising 88 acres, about 6
mile beyond the District line on Con-
duit road, has been acquired.
In the George Washington Memorial
Parkway the Federal Government ano
the States of Maryland and Virginia
or their political subdivisions, pay equa
shares.
In nearby Maryland valleys-Sligo
Cabin John and Rock Creek-a differ
ent fiscal set-up prevails, under the
provisions of the Capper-Cramton park
purchase act There the Federal Gov
ernment gives one-third, the remaining
two-thirds cost being borne by the
State, its political subdivision o.
through gifts of land.
In July, 1880, Congress made avail
able $1,0OO,0O0 to the National Capita
Park and Planning Commission for it
work under the Capper- -Cramton act
In February 1881, s4,O0O,0O0 was car.
ried in the independent Offices ap.
preparation bill for the commission
work. This s5,OO0,000 remains availabl,
until expended. Congress gave NJ
money for this fiscal years work, thu
commission working on its uneXpendec
balance.