The Pittsburgh Press (October 12, 1944)
TVA on Missouri urged by Truman
Second flood control speech is planned
New Orleans, Louisiana (UP) –
Senator Harry S. Truman said today that projects patterned after the Tennessee Valley Authority on other large tributaries of the Mississippi River would be a major step toward a permanent solution of flood control problems.
The Democratic nominee for the Vice Presidency spoke over a special hookup of Mississippi Valley radio stations in the first of two “nonpolitical” address on flood control. The second was scheduled for a luncheon session of the Mississippi Valley Association.
He joined President Roosevelt in recommending a Missouri Valley Authority, similar to TVA, to provide an integrated program of flood control, irrigation and power development along the Missouri River.
Senator Truman said the administration had done more in 12 years to combat floods than had ever been done before. A flood control program, he said, must be an integral part of a more comprehensive plan “to control our rivers and to make them our servants instead of our masters.” He said water could be impounded in reservoirs to restrain floodwaters, provide a source of power, promote soil conversion, assist navigation and provide irrigation water when needed in dry periods.
Senator Truman leaves tonight for Los Angeles, where he will deliver the first “political” address of his 7,500-mile campaign tour Monday night.