A study specifically directed toward (1) determining the source and quantity of silting material which now causes rapid and heavy shoaling in Charleston Harbor and (2) development of a plan to reduce the resulting high cost of maintenance. Diversion of Cooper River flows around Charleston will be considered as a possible solution to the problem.

Santee River system, South Carolina and North Carolina.

A review of prior reports with initial phase of study directed toward development of a plan to provide shallow-draft navigation between Charleston and Columbia. Principal features would be locks and dams in the Congaree River. The second phase of the study, now under way, will consider other aspects of water resource development.

Total.

G-SA.... $225,000

0

0 $40,000

$185,000

G-SA..... 450,000 $152,000

$54,000 75,000 169,000

G-SA. 1, 159, 000

87,000 190,000 300,000 582,000

(b) Flood control studies.-The amount of $520,000 is requested for the prosecution of 10 studies during fiscal year 1965. This amount will permit completion of three reports, the initiation of work on one study, and progress on six others. Tentative allocations by studies follow:

(c) Beach erosion studies.-The amount of $162,000 is requested for the prosecution of six studies during fiscal year 1965. This amount will permit completion of five reports and continuing progress on one other. Tentative allocations by studies follow:

Mullet Key..

The gulf frontage of Mullet Key, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico near Tampa Bay, is eroding at an excessive rate. Methods of restoring and maintaining the problem shorelines in the interest of protecting and providing adequate beach areas in the new public recreational park, to which the island has been dedicated, will be considered. Pinellas County.

A review study of methods of restoring and maintaining the eroded shorelines of Pinellas County in the interest of protecting and providing adequate beach areas in an area where shorefront development has greatly increased. Consideration of providing hurricane protection and related facilities will also be included.

(d) Comprehensive basin studies.—The amount of $250,000 is requested for the prosecution of two comprehensive basin studies during fiscal year 1965. This amount will permit continuing progress on both reports. Tentative allocations by studies follow:

Pascagoula River Basin, Miss..

A comprehensive study to identify the existing water resource development needs, those expected to be encountered and measures for their solution, to include sufficient detail for authorization of those projects for which construction starts are required in the ensuing 10 to 15 year period. Pearl River Basin, Miss. and La...

A comprehensive study to identify the existing water resourse development needs, those expected to be encountered and measures for their solution, to include sufficient detail for authorization of those projects for which construction starts are required in the ensuing 10 to 15 year period.

Total..

Grand total..

Mr. KIRWAN. Please explain the need for and interest in the two new studies you are budgeting.

MIAMI HARBOR, FLA.

General WELLING. Our two new studies pertain, first, to Miami Harbor, and then to a study in Puerto Rico.

The Miami Harbor is a principal port in that part of the country. We have an existing channel of a depth of 30 feet, and it looks like it is worth while studying to determine whether we should go to a deeper channel to accommodate present and prospective deep-draft traffic.

PUERTO RICAN STUDY

The Puerto Rican study is a flood control study for the second largest city on the island, which has been subjected to damaging floods in the past.

MULLET KEY PROJECT, FLA.

Mr. KIRWAN. In reference to the Mullet Key project, where is this located, what is there now, and why should this be a Federal undertaking?

General WELLING. Mullet Key is located at the entrance of Tampa Bay. There has been damaging beach erosion on Mullet Key. The State has recently built a $7 million causeway to Mullet Key. They have a $4 million master plan for the development of Fort De Soto Park, and our study would be to determine the extent of beach erosion control measures needed in that area.

Mr. KIRWAN. It is a beach erosion project?

General WELLING. Yes, sir.

Mr. KIRWAN. Is the Government supposed to go in and do that? General WELLING. As of now, we would make a survey and determine to what extent the Federal Government has an interest in beach erosion control there.

Mr. KIRWAN. There is nothing there now. Is that correct?

General WELLING. No, sir. There are facilities there now. The State has spent $1.5 million on picnic facilities and picnic shelters. They are planning right now to construct a pier in the area.

Mr. KIRWAN. Why would we be moving into the act? Who owns the area?

General WELLING. Pinellas County, sir.

Mr. BOLAND. It is purely recreational. Is there a beach there now? General WELLING. There is a beach there now.

Mr. BOLAND. Is it usable?

General WELLING. It is a county beach.

Mr. BOLAND. Is the beach usable?

General WELLING. I will have to supply that for the record. (The requested information follows:)

Ford De Soto Park opened in December 1962. In the first year of operation more than 1 million persons visited the park, and the beach was used extensively.

Mr. KIRWAN. I assume the county will get all the income if it becomes popular. What is the current status of this project?