LIONS CLUB OF FOREST HILLS, Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House of Representatives, DEAR SIR: At the most recent meeting of the board of directors of the Forest Hills Lions Club, the project for controlling the dangers from flood waters in the Turtle Creek Valley was discussed and the following resolution was passed: "It has been resolved by the board of directors of the Forest Hills Lions Club of Forest Hills, Pa., that, because of the potential danger to life and property, and due to the economic impact upon residents and merchants of Forest Hills Borough, and due to the potential crippling of communications and transportation of Forest Hills Borough and the possible detriment to the health and sanitation of the community, highest priority be given to congressional appropriation of adequate funds to initiate the Turtle Creek Valley flood control project and alleviate the potential flood danger thereby promoting the health and economic welfare of citizens of the Turtle Creek Valley and peripheral communities." Very truly yours, E. S. BONVALOT, Secretary. Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House of Representatives, EAST SUBURBAN MULTILIST BROKERS, INC., Wilkinsburg, Pittsburgh, Pa., February 26, 1960. DEAR MR. HOLLAND: Thank you very much for the opportunity to be heard. I regret to say that the circumstances of business do not permit me to make a personal appearance before the House Appropriations Committee. The interest of our members is high, since we live in the areas involved. We feel that failure to provide the funds wil serve to tear away job security for many men and their families. If provided, the appropriation will shore up a growing economic leak. The enclosed resolution will, I am sure, express the feeling of our members. "A RESOLUTION PAUL E. RUMBARGER. "1. Whereas the East Suburban Multilist Real Estate Brokers, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation, doing business in the easterly section of Allegheny County, Pa., embracing the area surrounding the Turtle Creek Valley; and "2. Whereas said nonprofit corporation is vitally interested in the economic well-being of this said Turtle Creek Valley, and the surrounding area; and "3. Whereas the following municipalities of Allegheny County, Pa., are in the area affected by the Turtle Creek Valley flood control project: Turtle Creek, East Pittsburgh, Wilmerding, North Braddock, Wall, Pitcairn, and Braddock, as well as the surrounding residential areas of North Versailles, East McKeesport, Forest Hills, Wilkins, and Monroeville; and "4. Whereas flood damage in the past has caused sufficient losses so as to threaten the present level of industrial and business operation; and "5. Whereas continuation of such losses predict the certain deterioration of the industrial and business community; and "6. Whereas a continuing policy of neglect in this vital area is preventing the completion of planned industrial expansion of the valley's basic industry; and "7. Whereas, in 1959, the National Rivers and Harbors Congress, a citizens' organization interested in forwarding the Nation's public works program, listed the Turtle Creek Valley flood control project as one of the few in the Nation in its 'highest priority' category; and "8. Whereas the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has estimated that should a flood occur similar to that of 1954, property damage alone in this area would exceed $13 million; and "9. Whereas the United States Congress, in 1958, has authorized a flood control project under which this district is qualified; Now, therefore, be it "Resolved, That the Appropriations Committee of Congress, now in session, be urged to recommend the allocation of funds that are necessary for the completion of this critical Turtle Creek Valley flood control project without costly delay.” The foregoing resolution was unanimously adopted at a regular membership meeting of this organization on February 19, 1960. EAST SUBURBAN MULTILIST REAL Attest: FERD J. SCHOLZE, Secretary. THE JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB, OF TURTLE CREEK, PA, Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: While we cannot afford personal representation to the hearing in Washington of the Appropriations Committees of Congress in this coming session, we want to express our sincere support of a Federal flood-control proj ect for the Borough of Turtle Creek. The community of Turtle Creek has always been hard hit by floods, and each time a flood occurs it costs us millions in property damages and sometimes human life. This has also greatly hampered our economic growth. As you probably know, a very large expansion program is planned by the Westinghouse Electric Corp., contingent upon the construction of this project. Our community needs the economic shot in the arm which this would provide. This letter represents our club's united support of funds being appropriated for the Turtle Creek project. Respectfully submitted. (Mrs.) SANDRA B. CYBULKO, Corresponding Secretary. DAMES OF MALTA, CYPRUS SISTERHOOD NO. 65, Turtle Creek, Pa., February 13, 1968. Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House Office Building, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: We, the members of Cyprus Sisterhood No. 65, Dames of Malta, at Turtle Creek, Pa., wish to express our interest in seeing that adequate flood protection be provided for the Turtle Creek Valley. Many of our members are homeowners and merchants, and their livelihood depends on such control We are hoping that definite action will be taken in the very near future. Sincerely yours, HELEN PHIPPS, MILDRED BUSE, Committee. TURTLE CREEK POST No. 640, THE AMERICAN LEGION, Turtle Creek, Pa., January 18, 1960. Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: Turtle Creek Post No. 640, the American Legion, is very much in favor of flood control for the protection of the valley. At the regular meeting, the membership went on record and therefore asks your support before the Appropriations Committee of Congress in the coming session for the funds of the Turtle Creek project. Thanks a million for your cooperation now and in the past. I am, DEAR SIR: The Turtle Creek American Legion Auxiliary, Unit No. 640, are Interested in the flood control for the protection of the valley. At our regular meeting, the membership present went on record and ask your support before the Appropriations Committe of Congress in the coming session for the funds of the Turtle Creek project. Many thanks for the favors in the past, I am, IRENE M. JACKSON, Secretary. Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House of Representatives, MELLON NATIONAL BANK & TRUST Co., House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: It has been called to our attention by Representative John J. Murray that the National Rivers and Harbors Congress, a citizens' organization interested in forwarding the Nation's public works program, listed the Turtle Creek flood control project in its highest priority category. We are sure that you are aware of the tremendous property damage done by floods in recent years to industry, commercial businesses, and private citizens in this area. Without proper protection against the recurrence of damaging floods, any expansive programs by industry and business cannot be planned. Therefore, being vitally interested in the program of flood control in this great industrial valley, we feel that control of waters in our streams is necessary, and we shall support you before the Appropriations Committees of Congress by personal representation in Washington if necessary to assist you in providing funds for the Turtle Creek project. We do appreciate your efforts and interest in this undertaking. Sincerely yours, F. V. KOVALOVSKY, Manager. Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, Washington, D.C. TURTLE CREEK MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, DEAR SIR: At a recent meeting of the Turtle Creek Ministerial Association which has a membership of 10 of the 11 Protestant ministers serving in Turtle Creek, the matter of flood control for Turtle Creek Valley was discussed. The occasion of the discussion was the reading of a letter from John J. Murray, House of Representatives, Harrisburg, Pa. The association has asked me to convey to you our sincere commendation for your efforts on behalf of an adequate flood control program for Turtle Creek Valley. Every church in Turtle Creek borough is directly or indirectly affected in the matter, and it is our earnest desire that you continue your endeavors to bring about a suitable solution to the need. Sincerely yours, R. N. WILKINSON, Secretary. Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, TURTLE CREEK VALLEY, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB, DEAR CONGRESSMAN HOLLAND: As corresponding secretary I write on behalf of the Turtle Creek Business and Professional Women's Club. As most of our members live and work in the Turtle Creek Valley we most heartedly back adequate flood control. Most all of our members have families, friends, or places where we work that have been put under terrific loss and hardship by the floods of the Turtle Creek Valley and so we as residents, employees, and employers of this valley do back a more permanent protection for this need. We appreciate your efforts in this project and hope you will succeed. Very truly yours, Hon. ELMER J. HOLLAND, House of Representatives, ANNA B. MRAZ, Corresponding Secretary. EAST PITTSBURGH BUSINESSMEN'S ASSOCIATION, SIR: The East Pittsburgh Businessmen's Association is vitally interested in a successful and permanent flood control program for Turtle Creek Valley. Representative John J. Murray has called to our attention the fact that the National Rivers and Harbors Congress has listed the Turtle Creek flood control project in its highest priority category. This, of course, strengthens our view point that the control of these waters is essential to the well-being of our community. Many citizens have expressed their interest and concern to us over the delay in obtaining funds for the completion of this project. We urge you to exert your efforts in our behalf at the hearings before the Appropriations Committee of Congress to obtain funds for the completion of this sorely needed project. We shall support you to the fullest extent in order that we may obtain permanent relief from damaging floods. Sincerely yours, A. J. VECCHIOLA, Chairman. Mr. HOLLAND. I have with me today the representatives of various organizations, civic, labor, and business, that are affected by this condition. I would like to introduce to you the following gentlemen for the purpose of speaking or presenting their testimony for insertion into i the record of this hearing: STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE JOHN H. DENT, PENNSYLVANIA Mr. Chairman, I also ask unanimous consent to include a statement in the record at this point by Congressman Dent, of Pennsylvania. Mr. CANNON. It will be made a part of the record at this point. (The statement referred to follows:) CHAIRMAN, APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MR. CHAIRMAN: I would appreciate it if you will add my support to those already assembled there in behalf of the appropriation for the Turtle Creek flood control program. Due to an arthritic attack, it is difficult for me to attend meetings and especially when I have my own subcommittee meeting this morning running the same time as your meeting. I have in the past given my detailed observations and reasons for support of this appropriation. They are contained in both the records of your committee and the records of the House. Sufficient to say that with the coming of the spring season, the renewed threats of disastrous floods in this region, it is of even greater importance at this moment to give serious and favorable consideration to the needs and the appropriation for this project. This particular project, when completed, will give reassurance to thousands of workers that their jobs are secure, at least against the threat of flood damages which have in the past caused the industries in the Turtle Creek area to seek locations elsewhere. I personally appeal for an early consideration in behalf of this increased appropriation. Sincerely yours, JOHN H. DENT, Member of Congress. Mr. CANNON. You may proceed, Congressman Holland. Mr. HOLLAND. Now, I would like to call on the Honorable Maurice K. Goddard, secretary of forests and waters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. CANNON. We shall be glad to hear from Dr. Goddard. STATEMENT OF MR. MAURICE K. GODDARD Mr. GODDARD. Mr. Chairman, I would like to present for the record a statement and I would like to brief it very rapidly. Mr. CANNON. Your statement will be made a part of the record at this point. (The statement referred to follows:) Mr. Chairman, there are few local flood protection projects in the Nation which protect more property of great economic importance to a region than the one for the heavily industrialized Turtle Creek Basin in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, Pa. Funds to complete planning and initiate contruction are urgently needed for this project which is a part of the Corps of Engineers' plan for the developnent of the upper Ohio, Beaver, Allegheny and Monongahela River Basins. It vill affect the boroughs of North Braddock, East Pittsburgh, Turtle Creek, Wilmerding, Wall, Pitcairn, Trafford, Monroeville, and the townships of North Versailles and Wilkins. Major industries in the area include United States Steel at North Braddock, Westinghouse Electric Corp. at East Pittsburgh, Wilmerding, Turtle Creek and Trafford, Westinghouse Air Brake Co. at Wilmerding and the Pennsylvania Railroad at Pitcairn. The project has an excellent benefit-cost ratio of 2.3 to 1. Twenty-six floods have occurred along lower Turtle Creek since 1888, and direct damages from the maximum flood of record (October 15, 1954) are estimated at $13,390,000 (1957 dollar values). Average annual direct damages are estimated at $1,295.000 and average annual indirect damages are estimated at $170,000. As far as we have been able to determine there are no objectors to this urgently needed project. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania strongly supports the Turtle Creek Channel improvements project, and was instrumental in placing this project before the National Rivers and Harbors Congress last summer for classification. The Projects Committee of the Congress voted unanimously to classify the project as class I-Endorsed. As a further indication of the Commonwealth's interest, the Department of Forests and Waters has just completed a $508,600 channel-dredging project in cooperation with the Turtle Creek District Flood Control Authority for temporary relief of the area. Costs were shared on a 40 percent to 60 percent basis with the Commonwealth's share for engineering, planning, and dredging, coming to $203,455. |