Evening star., 1945-12-14
Anacostia River Flood
Control Hearing SET
For January 9


A plan that best will meet the
desires Of local areas affected for
flood control and navigation on the
Anacostia river and tributaries will
be sought at public hearing to be
held early next year by the Army
Engineers.
Col. D. G. White, Corps Of En-
gineers, said that public views will
be sought January 9, 1916, at 1:3o
pm. in the County Service Building,
Hyattsville. All interested are in
vited to be present or be represented
to express their opinions on pro-
posed improvements. Oral state
ments will be heard but, for ac-
curacy of the record, he recon-
mended that all important facts
and arguments be submitted In
writing for the War Departments
final consideration.
Col. White will accept written
statements at the hearing or they
may be submitted to him earlier at
the Engineer Office, First and Doug
las streets NV.
Preparation of Reports.
The District Engineer has been
charged by the War Department
with the preparation of reports
dealing with flood control and navi-
cation in the Anacostia river and
he has outlined Is phases of the
problem on which Is desired specific
information from officials of Bla-
densburg, Colmar Manor, Edmons-
ton, Brentwood, Riverdale, Berwyn
and other affected communities or
interests.
He cited an Act of Congress of
June %. 1896, which provides that
If the Federal Government should
finally undertake flood protective
project, the State, or its political
subdivisions, shall provide without
cost to the United States all lands,
easements and rights-of-way neces-
sary for construction and assume
all claims for damages.
The act further provides the full
cost for relocating public utilities
and the lands required must be
borne by the local interests. Where
flood protection works are con-
structed by the Government, the
local or State agencies must take
over maintenance and operation of
the projects.
He also stressed another provision
of the act which requires an au
thoritative and definite statement
from proper authorities with respect
to local cooperation.
16 Phases of Problem.
The following are the 16 phases of
the problem on which Col. Whites
Office seeks definite and accurate
information" at the hearing:
If any particular food control
works are desired by local interests
or if there are any suggestions as to
plan of improvement.
Whether proposed plans for flood
protection and navigation submitted
in reports of July 81, 1910, are in
dISOlu WILL 1OSdl ulGCl CSUS anu IL
not, what changes are desired.
COPIES of these reports are avail
able for study at the engineer ofice)
If there are possible arrangements
for combining highways or roadways
with protective levees to advantage
If any local drainage projects now
held In allegiance can readily be
combined with the interior drainage
system of a local flood protection
project.
Whether any railroad grade cross
ings can be eliminated
Whether any area involved would
be suitable for airports.
To what extent there would be an
increase in assessed value of lands
now in marsh or lowland, by reason
of filling above flood levels or by
dry food projection.
How many sources of pollution
would be abated.
If there are building developments
now in flood zones, the removal of
which might be considered in the
interest of regional planning.
Other Information Sought.
Information as to relative runoff
waterfow, retardation and soil ero-
sion from headwater areas, losses
incurred and possibility of reducing
losses; the cause and extent of
sheet, gully or stream bank erosion
and various losses of soil, crops and
values, and associated factors.
AS to the character, extent of
for depth, width and length of
channels for navigation.
To what extent commerce now
uses the waterway.
To what amount and value COM
merce might be increased by the
improvements.
To what extent would economic
benefits accrue to Bladensburg from
. navigable channel.
A description and location of pro-
posed terminal facilities desired on
q navigable channel.
To what extent there have been
changes in the economic pattern of
the area, such as population shifts;
industrial, commercial or residential
development since July, 1910. PERTH
nent data on recent floods, flood
losses or traffic conditions are de-
sired.
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