Evening star., 1933-04-30
POWER BOARD 0.K.'S.
S34,0)O,0)O PROJECT:
Decision Indicates Intention
of U. S. to Probe Carefully
Developments.

In a decision indicative of an inten-
ton to scan carefully the economic as
poets of proposed hydroelectric projects,
the Federal Power Commission has
paved the way for a development in
South Carolina that is expected to cost
in the neighborhood of s34,0O0,000.
The commission decision, given out
for publication yesterday, covers a
license granted the Columbia Railway
& Navigation Co. on the Santee and
Cooper Rivers for a project that was
first conceived some 10 years ago and
on which construction started in 1928.
1t was necessitated by the application
of the company to increase the invest
ment CT $4,000 900 originally contem-
plated, to s34,000,O00, under enlarge
ment of the first plans.
Views Of Commission.
In giving assent, the commission
The substantial increase in the cost
of and output Of the project contem-
plated by the amendment makes rele-
want the questions as to the economic
feasibility Of the proposed plan and the
available market for the power. The
evidence before the commission, includ-
dng the results of careful engineering
generated, and of the available markets
fer such power, establishes to the salts
faction of the commission that it is not
unreasonable to expect that the normal
increase in power consumption in the
region to be served with absorb the power
to be produced, accounting, as we have
right to assume, that this project will
be economically constructed and eff
ciently managed, to the end that over a
ArTt@ ~f
OF economic transmission, power will be
available for industry, commerce, agri-
culture and the home at rates which
Will not only encourage consumption by
potential users now within such areas,
but will likewise encourage the location
there of new industry, commerce and
domestic consumers. The amended plans
are also justified by provisions for the
better use and more complete conserva-
ton and development of the water re-
sources of the region affected
At the same time, however, it was
pointed out that this expression of the
commissions opinion as to the feasi-
bility Of the amended project is not to
be taken as implying any Endorsement
of the securities which may be issued
by the licensee In financing construc-
ton"
The commission also used the de-
tiSAoiA w 2coo d 4cSSOIl 10 pupllC uClll-
ties.
A group Of sportsmen who have
shooting preserves on the Cooper and
Santee had opposed the development on
the grounds that it would prevent the
alternate flooding and drainage of rice
fields which serve as feeding GROUNDS
Tor wild fowl, to the detriment of their
hunting grounds.
Law Recourse Available.
Taking cognizance of this complaint,
the commission said if this injury re-
suited, recourse could be had by law,
setting out, however, its policy in this
regard:
THE commission Is not unmindful Of
the inconvenience and damage which
may result from the taking of private
property for this public purpose, but
private interests must be subordinated
to the paramount public good. This
principle, which justifies devotion of
private property and public resources
such as streams, streets, highways, etc,
10 the ru1Nc service. is one of the COLI
siderations which invest a public util-
IT. with the character of public trust,
to be administered primarily for the
social and economic well-beiGg of the
community at the lowest rates con-
slstent with fair return on invest
ment.'
The decision was written by Frank r.
McNlnch, vice chairman, and con-
Cured in by George Otis Smith, chair
man. and Claude r. Draper, associate |
commissioner.