The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1942-03-26
Now PI AIMING
For Jobs
After War
Federal Man COnfers
With Local Officials on
Longtime Program.
GOVERNMENT MAKING
SURVEY OF ENTIRE u. S.

SURVEY OF ENTIRE u. S.
That the federal government is
already looking to the time when
war activity will be over and there
will come lull in the industrial
life of the nation was impressed on
Libby and Lincoln county officials
by the visit here last Thursday of
j B. Parnell of Missoula Mr.. Par
nell is connected with the Public
Work Reserve, federal planning
organization and was here to ex-
plain what this branch of the fed
eral government has in view for
the future.
According to Mr.. Parnell, sur
vey is now being made of the en-
tire nation mapping out worthwhile
projects that can be taken up at
some future time. There is no ex-
pectation that any of this work will
be undertaken at present The en-
tire resources of the nation are now
occupied in winning the war, and
nothing of an extraneous nature
will be allowed to stand in its way.
However, it is realized that in
dustrial activity IS very apt To die
down after the war and it is to be
prepared for such a condition that
the survey is now being made.
The Public Work Reserve is to
cooperate with state, county and
city organizations in the working
out Of worthwhile projects. Purely
federal projects will not enter into
this picture States. counties and
cities are to be encouraged IN plan
ming for certain improvements
that can be put into operation at a
time when there is work short
age. The PWR will assist in every
way possible in planning and adj
vising in such a program.
Long Range Planning
The idea back of this movement
is to plan projects on a 6-year basis.
After all plans have been worked
out by and between local and fed
eral agencies. a one-year Capital
Budget is submitted by the local
programming agency to the locaI
governing body for consideration
and action Little can be expected
from long range planning unless it
has public approval within the
community.
Consequently, it is important that
the citizens be acquainted with the
idea at an early stage of the plan
ming, and then be kept informed Of
progress in order to forestaH pos
sible defeat resulting from confused
or inadequate understanding of the
issues.
Period of the Program
Programming should neither be
for too short a period to develop its
benefits nor for such long period
that it becomes vague and uncer-
tain.
The Capital Budget is the first
year of a long-term program. Be-
yond that it is essential to retain
a flexibility which permits annual
review and possible recasting of the
program.
the-end- of each year a new
years needs are projected and the
schedule is revised in the light of
the past years developments.
Thus, there exists continuously a
well-considered program extending
6 wears into the future with but one
year definitely budgeted for pur-
poses of administration
Through this arrangement, there
is developed continuing program
for carrying on public work in nor
NAL times which can be telescoped
to meet extraordinary employment
needs in times of national emer-
gency.
PWR Participation
The Public Work Reserves staff
and consultants will furnish such
assistance as may be desired by the
community. Limited financial aid
may be made available for techni-
cal and clerical services which are
acceptable in analysis Of proposals,
in programming and in assisting to
secure definite plans for such pro-
posals.
Confer With Local Men
While here Parnell conferred
with the county commissioners and
with Mayor Clay Parker of Libby.
He explained the plan and invited
their cooperation. In this connec-
ton County Commissioner Mahoney
stated that if and when such pro-
gram is put into operation. his No.
project WILDE construction of a
suitable road from Libby into the
Yak district. Mr.. Mahoney says
there is quite a large settlement in
that area that should have better
connection with the county seat. He
further says that much of the bus
mess from the Yak district is find
ing its way into Idaho because of
highway facilities. However, the
Yak project would be only one of
many that can be worked out