Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-02-04
Anacostia River
IsGiiven
Backing on Hill
House Flood Control
Committee Head
Fovors Development

The proposed 100000 flood con-
troll and navigation project along
the Anacostia River in Prince
Georges County today had the in
dorsement of Representative Wilson.
Republican, of Indiana, chairman Of
the House Flood Control Committee.
Mr.. Wilson expressed his support
in a talk last night before the Adj
visory Board of the District Divi-
sion, American Automobile Associa-
ton, in the Mayflower Hotel.
There are several things in favor
of the proposal" Mr.. Wilson de-
clared. They include the fact that
the benefits to be derived are local
and the nearness of the project to
the place where it has to be au-
thorized"
Asserting that the growth of the
Washington area makes the prof.
ects recreational benefits very i'm
portant," the Indiana member Of
Congress added:
II am firm believer in good,
wholesome outdoor recreation"
Local Support Stressed.
He emphasized, however. that at
would be useless and asinine for
me to sponsor an omnibus flood con-
troll bill containing this project,
without being assured that local
agencies are willing to put up their
share Of the funds"
He said a flood control bill prob
ably will be drawn up late this
month and that hearings are ex-
pected to be completed by the mid
die of March, clearing the way for
debate on the measure on the floor
of the House.
IF local agencies affected would
take a definite stand on whether
they plan to put up their share Of
the funds" Mr.. Wilson said, II
think the Anacostia River project
would have a strong chance OF being
approved by the Appropriations
Committee"
A report on the project by the
Army Engineers already has received
formal approval by the Prince
Georges County Commissioners, the
Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission and the Maryland-Na-
tional Capital Park and Planning
Commission. 1t is now before the
Board of Engineers for Rivers and
Harbors for review and recommen-
dations.
Channel to Bladensburg.
Under the proposal, as outlined
last night by Donald v. c. Birrell,
chief of the flood control and power
branch of the Engineering Division, =
Washington District Engineer Corps,
the. Anacostia River would "Hbe
dredged to provide channel 80 seet
wide and 8 feet deep from the foot
of Fifteenth street Sc. to Bla-
densburg. Fl.
LeVees would be built to prevent
flooding and recreational and COM
mercial boat basins would be Gre
ated near Bladensburg.
Land on both sides of the chan
mel would be filled and graded for
park development, including golf
courses. picnic areas, playing fields
and other recreational activities.
The project also calls for reloca-
ton of Bladensburg road through
Bladensburg, with interchanges to
Defense highway and local roads.
In addition Rhode Island avenue
would be raised with new bridge
over the Northwest branch.
S4,50O,00O From U. s.
OF the estimated total cost, about
s4,5OO,00O would be borne by the
Federal Government, Mr.. Birrell
explained. The remaining $780,
900 would be provided by the State,
county and local agencies.
Other speakers included Col.
Byron Bird, chief of the Engineer
ing Division, Washington District
Engineer Corps; Representative
Clippinger, Republican, of Illinois,
member of the House Flood Con-
troll Committee: John Nolen, jr.,
director of planning, National Cap
ital Park and Planning Commission,
and Russell H. Mccain. a member
of the Maryland State Roads Com
mission.