Namakan chain of lakes would provide for a uniform regulated flow of 3,600 cubic feet per second at the outlet of Namakan Lake compared with the present monthly minimum flow of 1,000 to 1,450 cubic feet per second, all of the power sites below, using the high figures of 1,450 cubic feet per second as the present minimum, would benefit to the extent of an increase in dependable minimum flow of 2,150 cubic feet per second. In addition, there are water-power sites along the boundary waters above Namakan Lake which are not capable of practicable development without the storage provisions recommended herein. With these storages there is here a possible potential of about 25,000 horsepower capable of development. All other powers which have been or can be developed without this storage, will be materially increased in primary capacity and value, at a cost for storage which is but a small fraction of the cost of developing equivalent power elsewhere. These powers are:

The regulated flow from the proposed storage reservoirs above Namakan Lake would directly benefit all of these powers to the extent of the increase in dependable minimum flow. It is to the general interest to maintain Lake of the Woods at the most uniform level consistent with conditions, and this interest is not served by the exclusive use of that body and the present storages, as the sole storage for the powers on the Winnipeg River below. Further, the complete development of the powers on the Winnipeg River, which is now well within reasonable expectation, will demand the utilization of all available storage to meet the uniform power demands. The proposed storage on the boundary waters above Namakan Lake will make available an increase in minimum dependable flow of 2,150 cubic foot-seconds for all these powers, at an estimated capital cost of only $426,125, or only $19,800 per 100 cubic foot-seconds. It will increase the dependable power at these sites by over 71,700 horsepower continuous (80 per cent) efficiency at a capital cost of only $5.94 per continuous horsepower. The added storage on Rainy Lake will not only increase the mean head at the outlet, but will also increase the minimum dependable flow at all the power sites below by approximately 900 cubic foot-seconds at an estimated capital cost of $279,000 or only $31,000 per 100 cubic foot-seconds. It will increase the dependable power at these sites by over 30,027 horsepower continuous (80 per cent) efficiency at a capital cost of only $9.30 per continuous horsepower.

SIMILAR DEVELOPMENTS

The necessity and desirability of providing adequate storage and regulation of the run-off has been well recognized in other localities, and development along these lines has been undertaken by public and private enterprise. It is interesting to note, in particular, the action taken along these lines in the Province of Quebec, which undoubtedly has been fully considered by your commission. A brief summary may here be helpful for purposes of ready comparison:

St. Maurice River.-A storage dam was built giving a complete control of the headwaters of this stream from a watershed of 3,650 square miles. This has made possible an increase in the minimum flow of the river at Shawinigan from an average of 6,000 cubic feet per second to 16,000 cubic feet per second. The cost of this scheme to the Government was $2,500,000, or $25,000 per 100 cubic foot-seconds.

St. Francois River.-This stream drains that section of the Province known as the eastern townships. Storage dams have been built by the commission at the outlet of two large lakes, St. Francois and Aylmer. The minimum flow of the river has been increased by about 900 cubic foot-seconds. The cost of these dams has been about $750,000, or $83,333 per 100 cubic foot-seconds.

St. Anne (of Beaupre) River.-This stream is tributary to the St. Lawrence, into which it flows about 20 miles below Quebec, on the north shore. Two storage reservoirs have been built to regulate the flow of this stream at a cost of $350,000. The minimum flow at the Laurentian Co.'s plant at Seven Falls (head 410 feet) has been increased by 100 cubic foot-seconds, at a cost of $350,000 per 100 cubic foot-seconds.

Lake Kenogami-(Chicoutimi district).-Lake Kenogami is the source of two rivers where power is generated for the plants of Price Bros. & Co., at Kenogami, and the Chicoutimi Pulp Co., at Chicoutimi. These plants could be operated to full capacity only part of the year. The storage provided by the commission shall assure a minimum flow aggregating 1,800 cubic foot-seconds for both streams with the result that the plants shall be operated to full capacity during the whole year. The cost of this storage (just completed) shall be over $4,000,000, or over $222,000 for each 100 cubic foot-seconds of total minimum flow.

All of the above-mentioned storage reservoirs are operated by the Quebec Streams Commission, and the benefiting companies pay an annual charge sufficient to cover the interest on the capital cost, sinking fund in 30 years, cost of operation and maintenance, and a small profit.

This policy has proved a great help in the industrial development of the Province.

Conclusion. It will simplify the matter of general control of this international watershed, if important matters affecting storage, water levels, outflow, and regulation thereof, are left to this commission to deal with as varying circumstances and conditions may warrant. The division, assessment, levy, and payment of the cost of all the proposed work should be in the hands of the commission. In this assessment, we shall expect that the amounts already expended by us shall be taken into account. On this basis we shall willingly pay our share of the proposed work and shall render energetic aid toward the early consummation of the maximum development, carrying with it the greatest benefit to the peoples of these two countries.

The benefits to the people of Canada and the United States may briefly be summarized in conclusion. Navigation will be improved and may be revived after having practically passed out of existence for several years. The scenic beauty of the streams and lakes will be enhanced under control and they will become more accessible to tourists and as recreation grounds. The more uniform levels will improve the waters as fish, fowl, and game preserves, and for breeding purposes.

New wealth in the building up of industries, with all its concurrent and farreaching possibilities, will be created. The construction of necessary works and power plants is only the first step in bringing into existence that new wealth, which must annually increase as the beneficial results extend to and are enjoyed by an added population of artisans, merchants, manufacturers, and indeed, those in every walk of life. The increased wealth of each and every community within this area will be many times the proposed expenditures. Annually and for all time the people of both countries will enjoy its benefits, which in dollars and cents, it is almost impossible to calculate. Respectfully submitted.

E. W. BACKUS.

TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ACQUIRED FOR A POST-OFFICE SITE IN AKRON, OHIO

MARCH 19, 1930.-Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union and ordered to be printed

Mr. ELLIOTT, from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, submitted the following

REPORT

[To accompany H. R. 3246]

The Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, to which was referred the bill (H. R. 3246) to authorize the sale of the Government property acquired for a post office in Akron, Ohio, having duly considered the same, hereby make report of it to the House with the recommendation that the bill do pass.

The following letter explains the needs of this legislation:

Hon. RICHARD N. ELLIOTT,

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., February 21, 1930.

Chairman Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds,

House of Representatives.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of you letter of February 18, 1930, requesting a report on bill (H. R. 3246) authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to dispose of the Government property acquired for a post-office site at Akron, Ohio, located on the southeast corner of East Market Street and South High Street in said city in the following manner: To transfer to the city of Akron by the usual quitclaim deed the portion of the Federal building site described in said bill for the purpose of widening East Market Street, and to sell the remainder of the site upon the terms and conditions provided in the act of Congress approved March 4, 1913.

No objection is interposed by this department to the passage of the proposed legislation. Very truly yours,

A. W. MELLON, Secretary of the Treasury.

Section 13, of the act of March 4, 1913, authorizing the erection of a Federal building and the sale of the old post office and site, reads as follows:

SEC. 13. That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to purchase a site, or acquire it by condemnation or otherwise, in the city of Akron, Ohio, and cause to be erected thereon a suitable building, including

fireproof vaults, heating and ventilating apparatus, and approaches, for the use and accommodation of the post office, and other governmental offices, the cost of said site and building, including said vaults, heating and ventilating_apparatus, and approaches, not to exceed $400,000. And the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, when said building is completed and occupied by the United States authorities, to sell the present post-office building and site in said city of Akron at public or private sale, after proper advertisement, on such terms as he may deem to be to the best interests of the United States, to execute a quitclaim deed to the purchaser thereof, and to deposit the proceeds of said sale in the Treasury of the United States as a miscellaneous receipt: Provided, That said building and site shall not be sold for any sum less than $100,000.