EAST POINT RECREATION DEPARTMENT, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: In regard to your request for specific information concerning the utilization of unemployed workers on parks and recreation development projects, I submit the following information: If funds were available we certainly could utilize substantial numbers of workers in our recreation program. Immediate projects that could be accomplished without extensive new preparations are the completion of land clearing and landscaping of two park areas now under construction. Two other large recreation areas (work should begin by mid-1965) that are to be developed; one being a lakeside site. Also, maintenance and repairs on existing play areas, fields, etc. We could use at least 10 men all year around for park maintenance and repairs. During the summer months the number could increase to 30 men. Also, during the immediate future for work in developing new park areas, in addition to these mentioned above. I would estimate we could fully utilize 10 men full time. I feel that a program such as this not only would aid the individuals involved, but take a financial and physical burden off many municipalities and make it possible for the recreation department to keep pace with the increased recreation demands. If I can be of further service in this matter please do not hesitate to let me know what I can do. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: This community could utilize approximately 180 manyears of work to convert property overgrown with brush and weeds into public open space. We can also use approximately 30 man-years of work on a continuing basis to properly clean and maintain the many miles of drainage ditches and canals in this community. Sincerely, DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Reference is made to your letter of May 29 to Mr. Cook, relative to unemployment work programs. Since Mr. Cook is no longer director of the department, I am taking the liberty of answering your inquiry. In April 1963, a work program was developed from data gathered for a multipleuse program for the forest areas of the State, which is essentially a compilation of the projects necessary to proper management of forest lands. This was the basis for our estimate of the manpower for the State and Federal CCC programs before both legislatures at that time. The estimates are valid today since no work programs have been initiated. It is estimated that approximately 1,950 man-years of employment could be provided over a period of 5 years on forestry projects, an average of 390 manyears per year. This include work on forest plantings, construction of recrea tional facilities within the forest, wildlife habitat improvement, range improvement, administration facilities, such as headquarters, buildings, fences, and other structures, road and trail construction, and maintenance of all existing facilities. The program is based on present needs as we see them and not on a "made work" program merely to keep people employed. Although detailed plans have not been made work could be initiated on short notice provided, of course, funds are available. Cost estimates are not included because these are contingent largely on the magnitude of the program, wage scales, number of camps to be constructed, and the extent of camp facilities provided. Obviously costs would be appreciable since forest work camps would be needed in several remote areas. I might add that we are currently considering a State CCC program since unemployment estimates exceed 6 percent for portions of the State. If a work program is initiated the estimate of 1,950 man-years for the 5-year period would be reduced to some extent. If you have any additional questions please feel free to write me. JIM P. FERRY, Chairman and Member. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. Honolulu, Hawaii, June 18, 1964. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Thank you for your letter of May 29, 1964. I am happy to comply with your request for specific information on the kinds of projects that could be carried out in Hawaii without extensive new preparation. I have also included estimates of the number of man-years of work which could be created if Federal funds were available. Attached is a detailed list of conservation projects such as park development, roadside improvement, timber stand improvement, etc., which could be carried out immediately if funds were available. The estimated cost of these projects is $27,600,200. We have estimated 60 percent of these funds, or $16,560,000, would be for labor. The balance would be used for the purchase of supplies, construction material, and equipment. In a previous analysis of this type of work, it was estimated that $55,000 can pay for 33,000 man-hours of work. Using this ratio on the figure of $16,560,000, we arrive at a figure of 9,900,000 man-hours. To convert this into man-years of work, we divided it by 1,950 hours and come to a figure of approximately 5,100 man-years of work. I hope this information will be helpful to you. SHELLEY M. MARKS. CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senator, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Your introduction of legislation to provide funds for the hiring of unemployed workers for conservation and recreation programs is a proposal of great merit and would be of interest to the city and county of Honolulu. I have circulated your letter among the directors of departments in our government with instructions to provide information relative to application and specific programs. As soon as these reports are in we will be in a position to outline for you the needs Honolulu might have for partcipation in such programs. As you know, our jurisdiction covers 604 square miles with a population of about 600,000, including the military. Conservation areas, particularly in mountainous regions, and recreation areas, particularly along the ocean shores, are under continuing development. Your proposed program would have direct application in both of these areas. We will be pleased to assist you in whatever way we can. Sincerely, NEAL S. BLAISDELL, Mayor. DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, AND RECREATION, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, COUNTY OF MAUI, Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, June 29, 1964. DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of June 17, 1964, we are happy to learn that you are drafting legislation to provide funds for Federal, State, county, and municipal agencies to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects. Please be informed that this department has developed various types of public park, playground, and recreational facilities within the county of Maui. Due to insufficient number of employees, we are faced with personnel problems. If additional unemployed workers are assigned to this department, we can designate these workers in areas of ground maintenance, such as weeding planting, pruning, landscaping, etc. We are informed by the local unemployment office that the unemployment rate, as of March 1964 was 6.2 percent. Therefore, the county, as well as the State departments can utilize all the manpower that can be provided for Maui in the field of conservation projects. Any assistance you can effect through this legislation will not only be a boost to the county parks department, but will also be a tremendous means of alleviating the unemployment situation on our island. Thanking you for your interest, and with every good wish for success in your endeavors, we are, Very truly yours, SHIZUO INOUYE, Superintendent. IDAHO RESPONSES Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senator, Washington, D.C. STATE OF IDAHO, DEAR SENATOR NELSON: This will acknowledge your letter of May 29, 1964, regarding the legislation you are drafting to provide funds to Federal, State, county, and municipal agencies to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects. If you are successful in getting such a bill to pass, I believe we could utilize a number of workers in our programs. When the bill is printed I would be glad to receive a copy. With kind personal regards, I am, ROBERT E. SMYLIE, Governor. STATE OF IDAHO COOPERATIVE BOARD OF FORESTRY, Boise, Idaho, June 5, 1964. Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: In reply to your letter of May 29 concerning proposed legislation to provide funds to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects, I offer the following information. This department could utilize substantial numbers of workers in some of our own programs. The big problem is food and lodging for this type employee as many of our projects would be many miles from cities or towns. Such projects consist of timber stand improvement, road improvement, and firefighting. Due to terrain and weather conditions these projects would be somewhat seasonal. From late fall to early spring it would not be possible to utilize manpower on such projects. I would hesitate to estimate the number of man-hours work which might be usefully undertaken, as the term "usefully" is relative and depends upon changing economic conditions. When you consider the cost of these projects in comparison to the work accomplished, there is considerable latitude for controversy. I would like to see those individuals who are drawing unemployment compensation employed in the above projects. If this could be accomplished the net cost of conservation projects would be considerably reduced. DEAR SIR: Reference is made to your letter of May 29, 1964, requesting information regarding your proposed legislation to provide funds to Federal, State, county, and municipal agencies to utilize unemployed workers. If Federal funds are made available on a grant, it is believed the Idaho Fish and Game Department could utilize almost unlimited funds. On a matching fund basis, the department has $200,000 for the 1964-65 fiscal year that can be utilized for matching funds. Restrictions on areas in the State and on types of projects eligible for such a program could materially reduce the department's funds available for matching purposes. It is believed that 60 man-years of work could be usefully undertaken in the near future. The following types of conservation projects could be undertaken by the Idaho Fish and Game Department under such a program: Development of public access to key hunting and fishing areas. Improvement of wildlife winter range habitat. Construction of administrative office buildings. Beautification and landscaping of hatchery sites. Improvement of streams. Construction of dams to create small reservoir fishery impoundments. Development of watersheds to benefit fish and wildlife. I trust that the above information, although quite general in nature, will be of assistance to you in planning future legislation designed to alleviate unemployment problems and activate worthwhile conservation projects. Please advise if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely, JOHN R. WOODWORTH, Director. IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC LANDS, Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR NELSON: Please excuse my delay in answering your letter of May 29, 1964. Unfortunately I was out of town when your letter was received in this office and have just today returned. I realize that time must be of the essence and I am therefore, taking the liberty of answering your questions in generalities. access I feel sure that this State could utilize substantial numbers of workers in our parks program. There are many projects undertaken by outdoor recreational agencies which require a great deal of hand work of this type which does not necessarily involve skilled personnel. More specifically, such things as clearing new camping and picnicking areas, brush and timber disposal for roads, policing-i.e., cleanup of heavily used beaches and recreational areas, etc., are projects which would undoubtedly be suitable for this type of personnel. Any estimate of the number of man-years of work which might be accomplished under your proposed program would necessarily involve speculation concerning the continued importance of outdoor recreation. Perhaps it will suffice to say that I personally believe such a force could be advantageously utilized for a great many years to come. I hope this information is of some value to you and that your program meets with success. Sincerely, JON E. SODERBLOM, Director. CITY OF POCATELLO, OFFICE OF RECREATION, Pocatello, Idaho, July 1, 1964. Senator GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR: In reply to your letter of June 17, 1964, regarding legislation to provide funds to utilize unemployed workers on conservation projects, we have 640 acres plus 42 acres that could be developed for park purposes. developing this area there would be an unlimited amount of man-hours. In Sincerely, P. M. HISKEY, Parks Superintendent. CITY OF BOISE, IDAHO, July 8, 1964. Re utilization unemployed workers. Hon. GAYLORD NELSON, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR: I have studied your letter of June 17 carefully and it leaves open so many possibilities that in order to answer your questions intelligently I have found it convenient if not absolutely necessary to postulate several different situations each involving certain assumptions. They are listed below in order of probability, i.e., the set of circumstances which I assume to be most likely is listed first, followed by my estimate and comments as related to developments or improvements within the Boise City park system. Currently the Boise City Park Department, including cemetery, landscape, park and tree divisions has a wintertime level of about 40 employees and a summertime level of about 85. 1. (a) Federal funds will be available to pay wages of laborers only, not for supervision or for material costs or rental of equipment. (b) Funds will be intended for the hiring of currently unemployed only, not to stretch out employment of personnel now hired on a seasonal basis. (c) Personnel hired or put to work will be mainly common labor, i.e., largely unskilled. They would work directly under the supervision of park department personnel rather than through a local contractor. Assuming the above conditions, any use we could make of additional workers in the foreseeable future would be highly conjectural for the following reasons: (a) Financing (usually 30 to 60 percent) of any development project expense may be in cost of materials, equipment and supervision. Such expense when assumed by the city of Boise would have to be submitted to the city council in the form of a budget request not later than November 1 of 1 calendar year (say 1964) in order to be included in the budget for the following year (1965). Projects involving any substantial outlay (in excess of $500) by the city would have to be planned as much as a year in advance. (b) Limitations in project selection and programing: Most city park development projects I can think of involve the use of small crews (three to seven men) of workers, at least some of whom are semiskilled and all of whom are reasonably alert and dependable working under the direct supervision of a competent field foreman. In addition the services of a surveyor and a rodman are usually required on at least a part-time basis. Also in certain typical improvements, such as leveling fields for sports activities, heavy equipment such as bulldozers, graders or tractors are required. Other typical projects are: installation of sprinkling systems, construction of restrooms, fireplaces, shelter and other small structures, planting of trees, shrubs and other plant materials. Most of these projects require between a week and 1 or 2 months. In our department such jobs are usually assigned to men who have been working together to some extent over a period of several months or even years. They are usually scheduled in the fall after our heavy summer maintenance schedule tapers off, or occasionally in the spring before the park user attendance starts to rise. It is difficult for me to see how new or untrained help can 37-181-64--10 |