Report authorized by.-Review resolution adopted by the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, February 7, 1946, and by the River and Harbor Act approved July 24, 1946.

Existing project.-The existing Federal project for Cape Fear River, N. C., at and below Wilmington, provides for a channel 32 feet deep and 400 feet wide from the outer end of the ocean bar to Wilmington with increased width at bends; an anchorage basin at Wilmington of the same depth, 2,000 feet long, 900 feet wide at the upper end and 1,100 feet wide at the lower end; a turning basin opposite the principal terminals at Wilmington 32 feet deep, 1,000 feet long and 800 feet wide; a channel 12 feet deep and 100 feet wide in the Cape Fear River from a point near the eastern entrance of the Intracoastal Waterway to connect with the main river channel at a point 3 miles upstream; and for a channel 25 feet deep and 200 feet wide from Hilton Bridge. over Northeast (Cape Fear) River to a turning basin of the same depth, 600 feet wide, 1.25 miles above.

Plan of recommended modification of the existing project.—Modification of the existing project for Cape Fear River, N. C., at and below Wilmington, to provide for a channel 35 feet deep and 400 feet wide. from the 35-foot contour in the Atlantic Ocean through the ocean-bar channel, thence 34 feet deep and 400 feet wide along the present alinement to the upper end of the anchorage basin at Wilmington, including the anchorage basin, with some widening of the transition channel at the downstream end of the anchorage basin and with increased width at the bends.

Estimated cost to United States.-$1,331,000.

Local coop ration. The improvement is recommended provided that responsible local agencies give assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army that they will provide without cost to the United States all lands, easements, rights-of-way and spoil-disposal areas necessary for construction and subsequent maintenance of the project, when and as required; and hold and save the United States free from damages due to the construction and subsequent maintenance of the project. Annual cost of maintenance to United States.-No increase over that now authorized.

Benefits.-Average annual benefits are estimated at $62,700 from reduction in delays to vessels awaiting high tide, and from elimination of split or partial cargoes. The proposed modification of the existing project has a benefit-cost ratio of 1.21 and the benefits justify the necessary expenditure.

Remarks.-The ocean-borne commerce of Cape Fear River consists largely of petroleum products and the proposed improvement would provide for safe and satisfactory navigation of the channel by the large T-2-type tankers which will carry a large portion of postwar

commerce.

SAVANNAH RIVER BASIN, GA. AND S. C.

(S. Doc. 6, 81st Cong., 1st sess.)

Location.-Savannah River flows southeasterly along the boundary line between Georgia and South Carolina for 297.4 miles to Bull Street, Savannah, Ga., which is the zero of the mileage system for this report, and thence continues approximately 16.6 miles to the Atlantic Ocean.

Report authorized.-By_review resolution adopted by the Senate Commerce Committee, March 28, 1946.

Existing project. The completed existing Federal navigation project for Savannah River below Augusta provides for a channel from Savannah Harbor to the head of navigation at Augusta, 6 feet deep and 75 feet wide at ordinary summer flow which corresponds to a discharge of 4,000 cubic feet per second at Augusta, to be secured by construction of a lock and dam at New Savannah Bluff, mile 188.3, and by open-river work. The lock is 56 feet wide and 360 feet long. It has a lift of 15 feet and controlling depth over the miter sill of 10 feet at low water. Savannah River, in the section under consideration, follows a tortuous course and for a considerable part of the time its discharge is less than the project ordinary summer flow.

The report under review presents a comprehensive plan for development of the water resources of the Savannah River Basin for multiple purposes. Included in the plan is Clark Hill Reservoir with dam and hydroelectric power plant an Savannah River at mile 222.5, and Hartwell Reservoir and other reservoirs and improvements at various locations in the basin above Clark Hill Reservoir. By the Flood Control Act of December 22, 1944, Congress approved the general comprehensive plan and authorized the construction of Clark Hill Reservoir. Clark Hill Dam is under construction.

Plan of recommended modification of the existing project.-Modification of the existing project for Savannah River below Augusta, Ga., to provide for a channel 9 feet deep and 90 feet wide between the upper end of Savannah Harbor and the present head of navigation at Augusta, Ga., the improvement to be based upon the low flow conditions resulting from reregulation of the outflow from the Clark Hill development, and to be secured by dredging and open-river regulating works.

Estimated cost to United States.-$3,137,000.

Local cooperation. The modification is recommended subject to the condition that local interests agree to: (a) Provide, without cost to the United States, all necessary rights-of-way and spoil-disposal areas for the new work and subsequent maintenance, when and as required; (b) hold and save the United States free from any damages resulting from construction and maintenance of the improvement; and (c) provide and maintain adequate terminal and transfer facilities, including a suitable public terminal at Augusta, Ga., open to all on equal terms.

Annual costs of maintenance to the United States.-$236,900 in addition to maintenance costs for the project now authorized.

Benefits. The commerce for movement on the waterway soon after its completion is estimated at 577,000 tons annually and the resulting annual savings in transportation costs to shippers at $490,000. For conditions 10 years after completion of construction of Clark Hill Reservoir, the waterway commerce is estimated at 977,000 tons annually and the annual savings in transportation costs at $955,000. These estimates indicate a benefit-cost ratio of 1.35 for early realization and of 2.63 for expected conditions 10 years after completion of Clark Hill Reservoir.

Remarks. When power becomes available from the Clark Hill development, new industries which will increase the potential value. of an adequate waterway, can be expected to locate in the area. The

waterway would further stimulate development of the area resulting in increased traffic for all types of carriers in the region. The prospective benefits economically justify the estimated expenditures required for further improvement of the channel for navigation as recommended.

BRUNSWICK HARBOR, GA.

(H. Doc. 110, 81st Cong., 1st sess.)

Location.-Brunswick Harbor, Ga., is on the Atlantic coast, its entrance being 70 miles south of the port of Savannah, Ga., and 50 miles north of the port of Jacksonville, Fla.

Report authorized.-By review resolution adopted by the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, May 23, 1945.

Existing project.-Provides for a stone jetty 4,350 feet long at the entrance to East River and for the following channels: 30 feet deep and 500 feet wide through the bar; 27 feet deep and 400 feet wide at Brunswick Point; 27 feet deep and 350 feet wide in East River; 27 feet deep and 300 feet wide in Turtle River; 24 feet deep and 150 feet wide in Academy Creek; a cut from Academy Creek to Turtle River. if later decided to be advisable; a channel in Back River 20 feet deep and 150 feet wide from St. Simon Sound to the mouth of Mill Creek; and a channel in Terry Creek 10 feet deep and 80 feet wide from its mouth to a point immediately above the wharf of the Glynn Canning Co.

Plan of recommended modification of the existing project.-That the existing project for Brunswick Harbor, Ga., be modified to provide for channels generally in their present location but 32 feet deep and 500 feet across the entrance bar, thence 30 feet deep and 400 feet wide through St. Simon Sound, Brunswick River, and East River to the foot of Fifth Street, and 30 feet deep and 300 feet wide in Turtle River to the wharf of the Atlantic Refining Co., and for two suitable turning basins, one opposite the J. A. Jones Shipyard at the mouth of East River, and the other opposite the Atlantic Refining Co.'s wharf in Turtle River.

Estimated cost to United States.-$1,532,000.

Local cooperation. The modification is recommended subject to the conditions that local interests give assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army that they will: (a) Provide, at their own expense, terminal facilities suited to prospective commerce; (b) furnish ree of cost to the United States all lands, easements, and rights-ofway for the initial construction and future maintenance of the project, when and as required; and (c) hold and save the United States free from damages due to construction and future maintenance of the project.

Annual cost of maintenance to United States.-$40,000 in addition to that now authorized.

Benefits. Annual benefits consisting of the annual savings in transportation costs, are estimated at $197,100 of which $96,000 is on wood pulp and logs, $26,180 is on petroleum products, $57,500 is on salt cake, $13,620 is on naval stores, and $3,800 is on concrete products. The indicated benefit-cost ratio is 1.98.

Remarks. Ocean rates at Brunswick are on a parity with those of competing ports; that coastwise rates place Brunswick generally on a parity with Savannah; and that intercoastal rates from Brunswick to

the Pacific coast are the same as those for competing ports. The real growth of traffic will be in special cargoes generated by industries which find it advantageous to ship through Brunswick because of direct and rapid train service. Glynn County and the city of Brunswick have purchased the shipyard of the J. A. Jones Co. for $500,000 and intend to convert the property into a terminal. The anticipated commerce with its consequent benefits are sufficient to justify construction of the improvement. The plan of improvement will meet the needs of present and prospective commerce with the possible exception of petroleum products.

NORTH RIVER, GA., AND ST. MARYS RIVER, GA. AND FLA.

(H. Doc. No. 680, 80th Cong.)

Location.-North River, Ga., is a tidal stream emptying into St. Marys River 3 miles above the mouth and 2.5 miles below the wharves at St. Marys. It is about 11 miles long. St. Marys River, Ga. and Fla., flows generally southeasterly and empties into Cumberland Sound which connects with the Atlantic Ocean.

Report authorized by- Under the provisions of House Document No. 308, Sixty-ninth Congress, first session, which was enacted into law, with modifications, in section 1 of the River and Harbor Act approved January 21, 1927; and by the River and Harbor Act approved March 2, 1945.

Existing project.-Congress has not authorized any improvements in the basins for flood control, hydroelectric power development, or irrigation. The navigation project for St. Marys River, authorized by the River and Harbor Act approved July 25, 1912, provides for a channel 17 feet deep at mean low water and 200 feet wide from the mouth to Crandall, mile 12.5, and for clearing the channel of snags to Kings Ferry, mile 37, and as much farther as may be practicable for the sum of $5,000. The upper limit reached by this improvement was Traders Hill, mile 57.8. The project was completed in 1914. Costs to June 30, 1945, were $70,954 including $15,688 for new work and $55,266 for maintenance. The latest approved estimate of annual cost of maintenance is $2,500.

Recommended plan of improvement. That the Federal project for St. Marys River, Ga., and Fla., be modified to provide for a channel 28 feet deep and generally 200 feet wide in the St. Marys River and North River, from deep water in Cumberland Sound to the vicinity of the wharf at the St. Marys Kraft Corp. mill, together with a suitable turning basin near that wharf and a cutoff in North River; and a channel 8 feet deep and generally 50 feet wide from Crandall to Traders Hill, with certain straightening at the river bends in that vicinity.

Estimated cost to United States.-$918,600.

Local cooperation. The improvement is recommended subject to the conditions that local interests: (a) Provide, free of cost to the United States, all lands required for the initial construction and future maintenance of the project, as and when required; (b) agree to provide additional terminal facilities when needed; and (c) agree to save the United States free from all claims for damages arising from the original construction or the future maintenance of the project.

Annual cost of maintenance to United States.-$18,000 in addition to that now required.

Benefits. The annual benefits are estimated at $149,400 and are composed of (a) a saving of $2 a ton on the receipt of 15,000 tons of Scandinavian pulp and 10,000 tons of chemicals, and on the shipment of 40,000 tons of paper, all by the St. Marys Kraft Corp.; (b) & saving of 5 cents a ton on the receipt by barge of 100,000 tons of pulpwood by the same company; and (c) a saving of 12 cents and 30 cents a ton on 50,700 tons and 27,600 tons, respectively, of pulpwood transported by the Union Bag & Paper Corp. The benefit-cost ratio is 2.78.

The savings under (a) total $130,000, under (b) $5,000, and under (c) $14,364.

Remarks. The Board of Engineers for Rivers and Harbors was not convinced of the advisability of the Federal Government undertaking the improvements recommended by the reporting officers since the benefits appeared to be largely local in nature. Local interests were so notified and given an opportunity to present additional information to the Board. At a hearing held at their request, they pointed out that the improvements would serve a tributary area of approximately 1,000,000 acres of timberlands, largely in small tracts, the many owners of which depend for their livelihood on the income from the pulpwood and timber cut from their lands; and that these products would be transported to various industries along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway as far as 100 miles north and south of the junction with the St. Marys River, in addition to the plants at St. Marys and Savannah. After consideration of this and other information presented at the hearing, the Board was convinced that the prospective transportation economies fully warrant the expenditure required for the improvement and that the prospective benefits are sufficiently general in character to warrant improvement by the Federal Govern

ment.

Under existing conditions the paper mills can import a large proportion of their pulp and pulpwood requirements at a lower delivered cost than to obtain them from domestic sources. The standing timber in the area is largely owned in small tracts and by farmers who cut it during the off-farming season, giving employment in the slack season to their help. With the provision of low-cost waterway transportation the timber owners in the area will find an expanded and ready market for their timber products. The lowered delivered cost to the paper mills of their raw materials will reduce the cost of the finished products and large portion of such savings, in a market as highly competitive as the paper trade; will be passed on to the

consumer.

FERNANDINA HARBOR, FLA.

(H. Doc. 662, 80th Cong.)

Location.-Fernandina Harbor is on the Atlantic coast in the northeast corner of Florida, 23 miles north of Jacksonville Harbor and 95 miles south of Savannah Harbor.

Report authorized.-By review resolution adopted by the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, February 6, 1945.

Existing project. Provides for two stone jetties at the entrance, the north jetty 19,150 feet long and the south jetty 11,200 feet long: