Evening star., 1950-07-21
D. {. Prepares
ForPriorities
In Construction
Department Heads
Are Ordered to List
Material Needs

The District is getting prepared
for any instructions that may
come to set up priorities on con-
struction in the light of national
defense needs.
Brig. Gen. Gordon r. Young.
Engineer Commissioner, instructed
his department heads Yesterday to
get up a rough list of the amounts
of metals, metal equipment and
communications materials to be
used in pending construction prof.
ectS.
Gen. Young said he told the
officials there is no thought as yet
of restricting anything. He said he
merely wants an advance study to
get up information, which might
be needed later if restrictions
were imposed.
Inspired by Message.
The move was inspired by Pres
: ident Truman's message to Con-
gress Wednesday. asking a SO
billion armament program and ex-
pansion of the armed forces.
In his speech, the President
said he was directing all executive
agencies to conduct q detailed re-
view of programs for the purpose
of modifying them wherever prac-
ticable to lessen the demand on
services, commodities, raw mate
rials, manpower and facilities in
competition with those needed for
national defense.
I'VE want to beat to the punch
any instructions we may get from
topside, so we will be prepared"
Gen. Young said. He pointed out
that the information he is asking
takes some time TO get.
Materials to Be Listed.
The Commissioners earlier had
asked Purchasing Officer Roland
M. Brennan to furnish them with
a list of materials the Federal
Government considers critical. Mr..
! Brennan already has some of this
information.
In addition, Gen. Young asked
Col. Thomas j. Hayes, 3rd. assist
ant engineer commissioner, to
work on a separate estimate of
the demands of the civilian de-
fense program for The District,
now pending before Congress.
President Truman has asked an
appropriation of 100000 for the
program this fiscal year.
Gen Young also is seeking from
Col. Hayes any possible estimates
on the future requirements of the
civil defense setup. which would
be high on priority list.
Gem Young, in his request to
department heads. did not go into
routine maintenance and opera
tions He confined the scope of
his investigation to new construc-
ton.
The Engineer Commissioner es-
timated the list may take two
weeks to prepare, unless he asks
that It be submitted sooner.
. Data on Cables Asked.
In addition to the expected use
of such metals as steel, copper,
zinc and brass, Gen. Young asked
for data on communications cables
and electrical gadgets.
The list generally will cover
construction projects not yet con-
tracted for but contemplated dur
ing the fiscal year 1851. These
include several school projects.
In the case of the Water Divi-
sion, estimates for 1852 and 1858,
based on the proposed 30-year
water expansion program, will be
made. This is to include pro
jects of the Washington Aqueduct,
as we'll as those of the Water
Division.
Highway estimates will take in
d complete description for the
East Capitol street bridge. which
is scheduled to be started this
fiscal year, and the Districts share
in an extension of New York ave-
nue. to connect with the Washing
ton-Baltimore parkway.
Transport Group Outing
The Federal Transportation As
sociation will hold an outing at