developments are approved and the work proposed is done. There is no challenge or hazard to any present or future use of water for economic irrigation in the upper valley. Absolutely nothing in this bill, that I can find, would prevent or hinder the construction of additional irrigation projects, in any amount, on the upper river or the tributary streams. These works would be constructed above the storage dams on the main stem of the river, which would receive only the water that was left and such uses were fully supplied. The proposal to divert Missouri River water into the Hudson Bay drainage area incontrovertibly discloses that the Bureau of Reclamation must believe there is enough water for all beneficial uses in the Missouri River Basin.

In conclusion I would like to point out to you that we believe that time is a most important element in connection with this legislation. Years will necessarily be required to complete such a great internal improvement program. Specific planning and the blueprinting of the engineering works cannot be started too soon. The post-war readjustment period may soon be upon us. This will require employment for thousands of men. It will demand the beneficial use of a vast amount of equipment which the Government now owns. Has a sounder or more sensible post-war project for the Nation been conceived than the one that is outlined in the provisions of this bill, which deals with the Missouri River Basin, or one that is more distinctly within the historically recognized range of Federal authority or responsibility?

We urge that this responsibility and authority be accepted in full measure. We hope that with the authorizations contained in this bill, detailed plans and specifications may be prepared, levee and reservoir sites located, and lands condemned, so that when those who are fighting in our armies and navies today come home again, they will have work to do as a result of the vision and the effort of those who remained at home.

Mr. Chairman, I would like, now, if I may, to file with the committee a statement which I have, which in effect supplements Mr. Scott's statement and perhaps goes into a little detail as to the effect on Kansas City from an economic standpoint.

Senator OVERTON. Very well, Mr. Catts; you may do so.

Mr. CATTS. Thank you, very much.

(The statement of Mr. Catts is as follows:)

STATEMENT BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE BY GEORGE W. CATTS, EXECUTIVE MANAGER, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF KANSAS CITY, REGARDING H. R. 4485, FOR FLOOD CONTROL, JUNE 8, 1944

This statement is in support of the presentation made to this committee by Walter R. Scott, representing the city government of Kansas City, Mo. It expresses the views of 3,600 leading businessmen who comprise the membership of the Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City. Their places of business are in Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City, Kans., and North Kansas City, Mo.

Early and favorable action on flood control bill H. R. 4485 is urged by the business and civic interests of Greater Kansas City. This metropolitan area of 650,000 population, the largest on the Missouri River, needs flood protection as do the many other cities and farming areas along this stream.

The disastrous floods of 1903, the three in 1943, and the one in March 1944, have demonstrated this need. Two or three times each year, the people of these Kansas Citys watch the mounting crest of floodwaters coming down the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, hoping that they will not reach Kansas City at the same time. These crests did meet in 1903. The loss of life and property was gigantic then, but it was small compared to what it would be today. The flooded crest of these two rivers almost met in 1943. Much damage was done. A much greater damage was narrowly averted.

The reduced absorption of rain where it falls in the Missouri River Basin resulting in a more rapid run-off, coupled with additional hindrances to the free flow of floodwaters by such obstructions as bridge approaches, have increased the flood hazards at the Kansas Citys. The work begun under the Flood Control Act of June 22, 1936, and subsequent acts, should be further expanded in light of experience gained in more recent floods and in light of further comprehensive engineering studies that have been completed and outlined in House Document No. 342, Seventy-eighth Congress, first session.

The following question was asked in this committee's session on June 7: "Are there not several flood-control projects already authorized but not constructed which would furnish immediate work in the post-war days?"

Yes; work on some projects could be started or, in some cases, resumed; but this could not apply to all authorized projects. For example, the levees at the Kansas City cannot be definitely located and constructed until the Liberty Bend cut-off is authorized. Its construction affects both the location and height of the levees.

What would be the economic effect of a major flood at the Kansas Citys today? It would not be merely local. Through a paralyzed transportation system, the effect would be felt throughout the Nation and today on the world-wide battle fronts. Landing barges made at the junction of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers were used this week in the invasion of Europe.

Industries of this metropolitan area are largely located in the valleys of the Missouri, Kansas, and Blue Rivers. Railroads have been built on the water level grades. Industries have located along these rail facilities. Many plants using subterranean water have found it readily available in the valleys.

The following industries would be directly affected by a major flood (figures used from 1940 United States census):

A livestock market that received 5,702,000 head in 1943 (with many thousand additional head going direct to packers).

Grain elevators with a capacity of 61,632,000 bushels.

A grain market that received 186,234,000 bushels of grain in 1943.

A fruit and vegetable market which received 27,600 carloads in 1943 and diverted half of them to other markets.

A meat-packing industry whose products go to all sections of the country and to present battle fronts. It normally employs over 5,000 persons and turns out, annually, products valued at over $110,000,000.

A flour-milling industry producing 6,998,520 barrels in 1943.

A general wholesale and distribution business with 1,764 firms employing 20,000 people and distributing goods valued at $835,516,000 before the war. Within the metropolitan area over 1,000 manufacturers employing 38,000 people made products valued at $483,770,000 before the war.

Many of these markets, manufacturing plants, and wholesale establishments would be inundated by a major flood. None would escape the effects on the transportation of goods, raw materials, and employees. A flood that would paralyze this city's 12 trunk-line railroads that operate 196 freight and 188 passenger trains daily would stop the business and commerce of this metropolitan area. Meat, flour, and other processed foods would not move to normal points of consumption. The effects would be widespread.

Losses in wages by thousands of workers would reach a substantial sum. The workers of these cities live over a wide area. Many of them must cross the Missouri, Kansas, or Blue River to reach their places of employment.

On May 5, 1944, there were 364 firms in Greater Kansas City having war contracts, and products ranged from seagoing landing barges, bombers, and airplane engines to small delicate instruments. A major flood would directly affect many of these plants and indirectly affect all of them,

Through the Defense Plant Corporation, our Government has invested many millions of dollars in war plants in this area. The disposition of these plants when this war is ended will no doubt include some provision for their future use for war purposes in case of another national emergency. Flood protection for the Kansas Citys is insurance against interruption of the operation of these plants in times of national emergency.

Today the Missouri River is bank-full. Our next major flood can happen at any time. Preparations to meet it cannot start too soon. We urge you to report this bill for favorable action in this session of Congress. Respectfully,

GEORGE W. CATTS, Executive Manager, the Chamber of Commerce, of Kansas City.

Senator MILLIKIN. May I ask Mr. Catts just one question, Mr. Chairman?

Senator OVERTON. Yes, sir.

Senator MILLIKIN. You understand, do you not, Mr. Catts, that this bill that we are now considering does not contemplate the construction of any of these works until after the war?

Mr. CATTS. I do, sir; yes, sir.

May I make one further point, briefly, Mr. Chairman? There are certain flood-protection proposals that are already authorized. In fact, some of them are under construction, for the Kansas Cities, which have been delayed because of the war. There are certain other levees immediately on the north and south banks of the Missouri River that cannot be proceeded with, although they are authorized, until the question of the Liberty Bend cut-off has been determined. It determines the exact location and the elevation of the levees that must be constructed to meet an ordinary flood.

Senator OVERTON. Thank you, sir.

The next one I have representing the opposition to this bill is Mr. Dessieux, President of the Osage River Flood Control Association. STATEMENT OF PAUL B. DESSIEUX, PRESIDENT, OSAGE RIVER FLOOD CONTROL ASSOCIATION, LINN, MO.

Senator OVERTON. All right, Mr. Dessieux.

Mr. DESSIEUX. My name is Paul B. Dessieux, president of the Osage River Flood Control Association, of Linn, Mo. I am appearing before this committee as the representative of the farmers living on the Osage River, below Bagnell Dam, and the Missouri River, from the mouth of the Osage, near Jefferson City, to St. Louis. I appreciate very much the opportunity of appearing before this committee.

Our interest lies wholly in flood control, but we are mindful of other interests, especially irrigation. We believe the dominant interest in the development of the Missouri River Basin is flood control and irrigation. As to them, there is no conflict of interest. The one benefits the other.

The extent of the damages occasioned by floods and the economic advisability of controlling them has been ably presented before this committee. Therefore I will only refer to it briefly as to our section of the river only.

Senator OVERTON. Approximately how much territory does that cover?

Mr. DESSIEUX. About 175 miles.

Senator OVERTON. About how far is it from the mouth of the Missouri upstream?

Mr. DESSIEUX. About 125, up to the mouth of the Osage, and then, up the Osage, about 50 miles.

We live on the portion of the Missouri River most subject to devastating floods. This year is the fourth year in succession that floods have destroyed our crops, damaged our houses, destroyed our fences, laid waste our lands by covering them over with sand, often as high as the fence post, and digging holes in our fields larger than the fox holes of the battlefields of Europe. These repeated and unprecedented floods have brought financial ruin upon one of the wealthiest and most productive farm areas in the United States.

These farmers have never sold a crop at war prices but have been forced to pay the advanced prices for living expenses, farm machinery,

and so forth. The local banks have overextended credit to them and can carry them no longer. The local merchants and cooperatives cannot credit them any longer for seed, feed, and food. The only source of credit left for many is the Farm Security loans offered by the Government, and for some only direct aid by the Red Cross and other relief agencies.

The farmers cannot continue to take the beating they have for the last 4 years. To us who are drowning, we are not so much concerned who rescues us, whether it be the Army engineers or the Reclamation engineers. We believe the Pick plan to be good for the development of the lower Missouri River Basin and the Sloan plan to be equally good for the upper river States.

We therefore urge that the two be reconciled and consolidated to the end that the vitally needed legislation may be expedited thereby and flood relief had during this session of Congress. For us, delay is to lose.

The clearing of our hill lands of forest, the depletion and erosion of our soil, greatly quicken the run-off of water. The erection of a power dam in the Osage River and navigation projects in the Missouri River all tend to increase floods.

We have always needed flood control. Now we must have it if we survive.

Senator OVERTON. Mr. Dessieux, you state that you are appearing on behalf of farmers living on the Osage River below the Bagnell Dam, and the Missouri River, from the mouth of the Osage, near Jefferson City, to St. Louis.

Mr. DESSIEUX. Yes, sir.

Senator OVERTON. About how many acres of cultivated land are contained in that area, that are inundated through floods?

Mr. DESSIEUXx. About 750,000.

Senator OVERTON. You heard the statement made by Mr. Catts, did you?

Mr. DESSIEUX. Yes, sir.

Senator OVERTON. Mr. Catts quoted Mr. Scott as saying there were 22 million acres in a certain area as to which he was testifying. Does that 22 million acres include the 750,000?

Mr. DESSIEUX. It includes that.

Senator OVERTON. It has been 4 years since you have been able to make and market a crop?

Mr. DESSIEUX. Yes, sir.

Senator OVERTON. How long have you lived in that area?

Mr. DESSIEUX. I have lived there practically all my life.

Senator OVERTON. Before 1940 or 1939 how frequent were the floods?

Mr. DESSIEUX. We had floods, but we figured the worst that would hit us was 1 year in 3, before that.

Senator OVERTON. One what?

Mr. DESSIEUX. One flood year in three; and then that would be mostly the low bottoms only; what we call our "high bottoms," why, once in 25 or 50 years; but for 4 years straight even our highest bottoms have gone under.

Senator OVERTON. Is that very rich land?

Mr. DESSIEUX. Yes, sir; it is the very best of land.

Senator OVERTON. It is Osage River land?

Mr. DESSIEUX. It is practically all corn, alfalfa, and wheat land. Senator OVERTON. What is the average production of corn? Mr. DESSIEUX. Oh, 60, 75, up to 100, 110 bushels. Alfalfa will get 4 cuttings, sometimes 5, about 2 tons to the acre each cutting.

I might say in this connection most of the hill farmers and the big feeders of livestock depended on the bottoms for their feed, and so they have practically had to go out of business. In fact, the big feeders in that section have gone out of business because they could not go to the bottoms and buy their feed, corn, and oats.

Senator ROBERTSON. Those are cattle that are brought from the Western States and fed in the Missouri River Valley?

Mr. DESSIEUX. Yes, sir; most of the them come off the Kansas City market.

Senator OVERTON. I thank you very much.

Mr. DESSIEUX. We have one condition to which I would like to make reference, here, to the power dam at the Bagnell Dam in the Osage River. It is a private power dam without any space for flood control, and that has greatly increased our flood hazards. We have appealed repeatedly to the Federal Power Commission for some relief, some regulation that might give us at least temporarily some relief regulation until a program of flood relief might be had, but we have received no concession whatever. There is still not one foot of protection now in the power dam for flood control.

Senator OVERTON. Is that the dam to which Senator Clark referred, where the water was released and had a head of 12 feet of water that rushed down the valley?

Mr. DESSIEUX. Yes, sir. Last year, below the dam at Tuscumbia, the stage of the river reached 48 feet, some 18 feet higher than it was ever know before. It not only went up in the buildings-it went in the upstairs and then went over them, washing houses away. It was no uncommon scene to see 5- and 6- and 7- and 8-room houses coming down the river.

Senator OVERTON. That is a privately constructed dam, under license granted by the Federal Power Commission?

Mr. DESSIEUX Yes, sir.

Senator ROBERTSON. Mr. Dessieux, in your statement you say that the navigation projects in the Missouri River all tend to increase floods. Would you like to develop that a little?

Mr. DESSIEUX. I would like to comment on that; yes. In this bill I would like to state, I do not see any conflict of interest between navigation and flood control, but navigation as it is now, it is in the lead and standing alone, and narrowing the channel it lessens the capacity of the flow of the river, and it does tend to increase our floods; another way that it tends to increase our floods, the channel of the river is narrowed down by constructing dikes. Often these dikes begin back as far as a mile from the river in lowlands and they come up here and even project out in the river.

Shortly after those dikes are constructed-and they are constructed at flood-stage height-all this low land which used to be under-bank storage is all filled in with sand and soil, and we do not have any more under-bank storage left in the Missouri River in my section. It is just simply a channel. It is a narrow channel up to flood stage, and

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