Source: https://collections.lib.utah.edu/details?id=1138480
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 02:26:15+00:00

Document:
98 Mississippi River Commission.-Because its statutory re- sponsibilities relate primarily to the preparation of projects in specified areas, it is appropriate to consider here the Missis- sippi River Commission.134 In creating the Commission in 1879, Congress gave it the duty of making certain surveys, ex- aminations, and investigations.135 It also has the duty to take into consideration and "mature" such plans and estimates "as will correct, permanently locate, and deepen the channel and protect the banks of the Mississippi River; improve and give safety and ease to the navigation thereof; prevent destructive floods; promote and facilitate commerce, trade, and the postal service."lse With qualifications, the Commission's jurisdiction was later extended to a part of the Arkansas River;137 the harbor at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and a part of the Ohio River;138 and to the tributaries and outlets of the Mississippi River between Cairo, Illinois, and the Head of the Passes.139 Moreover, a 1917 statute authorizes expenditure of funds for certain improve- ments in the case of watercourses connected with the Missis- sippi River to such extent as might be necessary to exclude floodwaters from the upper limits of any delta basin, together with a part of the Ohio River.140 134 In other respects, projects planned by the Commission today move for- ward as do other projects under the Chief of Engineers. See H. Doc. No. 90, 70th Cong., 1st sess., pp. 33-34 (1927); Act of July 13, 1892, 27 Stat. 88; Act of May 15, 1928, 45 Stat. 534; Annual Report of the Chief of Engineees, U. S. Army, pp. 2671-2714 (1949). For a brief history of a some- what similar but now nonexistent agency, the Missouri River Commission, see Index to the Reports of the Chief of Engineers, U. S. Army, 1866-1912, vol. 1, p. 1040. 185 Act of June 28, 1879, 21 Stat. 37, as amended, 33 U. S. C. 647. By and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the President appoints the seven Commissioners: three from the Army Engineers, one of whom the President designates as president of the Commission; one from the Coast and Geodetic Survey; and three from civil life, two of whom must be civil engineers. § 2, 21 Stat. 37, 33 U. S. C. 642. 186 § 4,21 Stat. 37, 38, as amended, 33 U. S. C. 647. 137 Act of July 27, 1916, § 1, 39 Stat. 391, 402, 33 U. S. O. 648. 188 Act of July 27, 1916, § 1, 39 Stat. 391, 402, 33 U. S. C. 649. ™" Act of September 22,1922, § 13, 42 Stat. 1038, 1047, 33 U. S. C. 651. 140 Act of March 1, 1917, § 1, 39 Stat. 948. Authorization for the use of certain other funds was provided by the Act of July 27,1916, § 1,39 Stat. 391, 402, 33 U. S. C. 650.

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