Alburqueque District Statement to Arkansas River Compact Administration August 26 1983

• Description: Alburqueque District Statement to Arkansas River Compact Administration August 26 1983 Attachment L. Source missing.
• State: CO
• Date: 8/26/1983
• Title: Alburqueque District Statement to Arkansas River Compact Administration August 26 1983
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Correspondence

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ATTICBMENT I,
ALBUQUERQUE DISTRICT STATEMENT
TO
ARKANSAS RIVER COMPACT ADMINISTRATION
AUGUST 26, 1983
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
I think it would be appropriate to begin my remarks today with a
brief review of the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
particularly as it concerns the evolution of our role in the
development of water resources. With such a review, I hope to provide
adequate background for more specific discussion on our
responsibilities and authorities in the Arkansas River Basin.
Our "primary" mission has always been to provide combat support
to the fighting Army. That is why the Continental Congress provided
for the establishment of Army engineers in 1775. That is also why, in
1802, the Corps of Engineers was directed to conduct a military
academy at West Point, New York. For nearly a quarter of a century,
this United States Military Academy was the only engineering school in
the nation.
As the Revolutionary War ended, our new nation was in need of
roads, railroads, lighthouses, bridges, and other engineering works to
support economic development. The Corps of Engineers, the only
available organized engineering force, was called upon to design and
build them. In the 1880's the Corps became heavily involved with
surveys for westward expansion with the explorations of such engineer
officers as Zebulon Pike and John Fremont. '
The Corps began work in the development of the Nation's water
resources in 1824 when Congress assigned it the job of clearing snags
and sandbars from the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to facilitate
navigation. In 1879, the Corps" role on the Mississippi River was
expanded to include flood control with the creation of the Mississippi
River Commission. In the ensuing years, nationwide interest in flood
control and water resources development grew. Then, in 1927, Congress
authorized the Corps of Engineers to prepare a series of comprehensive
reports, commonly known as "308 reports" to address the need for water
resources development for purposes of navigation, flood control, and
hydropower. Many of these "308 reports" recommended the construction
of projects. Most of the projects recommended in the "308 reports"
were authorized for construction in the Flood Control Act of 1936.
This act is recognized as the initiator of nationwide water resources
development by the Corps of Engineers.
With this background, let me become more specific about the
development and operation of projects that are used to help you manage
your water.
ATTACHMENT L