238 The Plus Side of the Record 



cially true in those water resources projects which because of their 

 size and complexity are obviously beyond the means of state or local 

 groups. But the role of the federal government in the conservation and 

 development of our natural resources should be shaped to encourage 

 rather than displace the necessary efforts of state, local, and private 

 groups. 



I am surprised by Mr. White's statement that "present emphasis 

 upon partnership in the water field has the apparent effect of slowing 

 up the investment in pubhc power without stepping up private invest- 

 ment." During the last five years, 9.9 million kilowatts of new capacity 

 were installed at federal plants compared with 4.7 million during the 

 five years before then. The difference in growth of national capacity is 

 also striking: 42.3 million kilowatts in the last five years compared 

 with 29.9 in the previous period. The policy of encouraging state, 

 local, and private interests to develop hydro sites, which is the most 

 discussed aspect of the partnership principle, has been an important 

 factor in this increase. In the four-year period ending June 1953, in- 

 stalled hydroelectric capacity under Federal Power Commission 

 licenses had increased by only 2.8 million kilowatts, and planned 

 ultimate capacity had increased by the same amount. Contrast that 

 with the four years ending June 1957, in which time installed capacity 

 under FPC licenses increased 6.3 million kilowatts, and ultimate 

 capacity, 8.4 million kilowatts. I might add that the first partnership 

 developments occurred in Theodore Roosevelt's administration; and 

 between 1906 and 1953 some twenty-six so-called partnership proj- 

 ects were constructed in thirteen states, twelve of these being under 

 Republican administrations and fourteen in Democratic administra- 

 tions. 



The job of developing our natural resources is one of immense pro- 

 portions; it involves problems that are varied and widespread, and 

 that differ according to local and regional conditions. To assure adap- 

 tability and responsiveness to local needs, we must provide better 

 co-ordination at regional levels with strong local participation and 

 enlightened backing by the national Administration and the Congress. 

 This co-operative approach will not be any easier than other truly 

 democratic processes. But I believe it is the approach most likely to 

 contribute to what both Mr, White and I agree is necessary — a sharp- 



