FURTHER STATEMENTS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD 619 



1. New criteria for cost-benefit evaluation of specific projects 

 should be developed, relating aesthetic considerations to budgetary 

 limitations. It is proposed that these criteria may be developed by 

 appraisal techniques recognizing the added value of attractive facili- 

 ties in themselves and as related to the entire surrounding commu- 

 nity. For example, a highway harmonizing with its surroundings 

 might well have a beneficial effect on the value of the property in 

 the immediate vicinity, and an attractive building has been shown 

 to improve the surrounding property values and to encourage the 

 construction of additional facilities comparable in appearance in the 

 neighboring area. 



2. Some means of coordinating public and private programs and 

 efforts should be developed so that the total combined impact of 

 all projects and developments in an area can be rationally evaluated. 

 This involves the development of specific techniques for evaluating 

 the total combined benefits of different projects in a community, as 

 opposed to individual evaluation of each single-purpose element or 

 project. 



3. It is suggested that substantial improvements in air and water 

 pollution control, and in the beautification of private facilities, 

 including industrial plants, might be encouraged without direct 

 Federal subsidy by permitting current business expense treatment of 

 the costs of such improvements, rather than treating them as capital 

 improvements to be depreciated over a number of years. It is pos- 

 sible that increased property values created as a result of efforts in 

 these particular fields might be omitted in computing property valua- 

 tions for tax purposes. 



In establishing criteria for guidance toward improved design, it 

 is important that flexibility be provided so that stereotyped forms are 

 not developed in the name of beautification. 



Consulting Engineers Council of the United States, which repre- 

 sents individuals and firms engaged solely in the private practice 

 of professional engineering, is pleased to have had the opportunity 

 to participate in the White House Conference on Natural Beauty, 

 and stands ready to devote its skills and energies to assist in any and 

 all ways toward the attainment of the objectives stated in the 

 President's message. 



ALLEN H. MORGAN. The public won't be convinced that con- 

 servation of natural resources and preservation or creation of beauty 

 in our environment are worth the price until the whole concept and 



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