Cage 755

Papers on Columbia River Basin shipping and development

1934-1936

Acquisition And Processing Information

This collection was processed by Tabitha Erdey in 2010. Its source is unknown, and it was received in an unlabeled binder.

Extent/Quantity Information

Number of Containers: 1

Linear Feet of Shelf Space: .25

Organizational History

Quoted from Guide to the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association Records (Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA):

"In 1934 the Inland Empire Waterways Association was established as an advocacy group to represent the interests of the transportation industry, forestry, agriculture, energy producers, and local governments in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Most notably, they lobbied at the federal level for the construction of the locks and dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers."

Collection Description

The collection includes typescripts, clippings, graphs, tables, and maps regarding the development potential of the Columbia River Basin. These materials were probably created or collected by (or for) the Inland Empire Waterways Association, based on information in a letter filed with the collection (folder 2). Specific topics include: potential commercial shipping ports; electric power development; irrigation; dams; flood control; industrial, agricultural, and silvicultural applications; and recreation.

A detailed description of the collection contents is included in the "Container List" below.

Collection Arrangement

The original arrangement of the documents has been retained.

Subjects

Columbia River -- Commerce
Columbia River -- History
Columbia River Watershed
Transportation -- Columbia River Watershed
Shipment of goods -- Economic aspects -- Columbia River Watershed
Inland water transportation -- Columbia River
Wheat trade -- Northwest, Pacific
Inland Empire Waterways Association

Access

This collection is open and available for research use. Copyright restrictions may apply.

Preferred Citation

The suggested citation for the collection is:

[Item Description]
Papers on Columbia River Basin shipping and development, 1934-1936
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Washington State University Libraries
Pullman, WA

Languages

Materials are in English.

Container List:

Box	Folder	Description
		Series 1: Staff report with recommendations for the development of the Columbia River Basin
1	1	Landings and Terminals. Discussion of landings and terminals along the Columbia River, with suggestions for commercial shipping ports throughout the river basin.
		The Future of the Pacific Northwest. Connects the value of Pacific Northwest natural resources to the wider United States. Advocates the benefits of commercial transportation on the Columbia River and regional geographic and climate benefits. Calls for development of cheap power to spur industrial growth.
		The Columbia River and Its Development for Navigation, Power, Irrigation, and Flood Control. Discussion of industry, commerce, transportation, and recreational resources as developed by Grand Coulee and Boneville dams. Includes recommendations for subsequent studies addressing transportation and electrical infrastructure development. This section also covers public works projects, including transportation improvements, trends in construction projects in the United States, and a call for federal funding.
		Population. Discusses the rapid population increase in the Pacific Northwest in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, with forecasts of future population.
		The Future of the Region: General Summary, Analyses, and Recommendations. This portion of the report addresses transportation, commerce, mineral resources, fisheries, and population migrations within the Pacific Northwest.
		The Columbia River: A Unifying Bond and a Subject for Regional Planning. Discusses the role of the Columbia River in the cultural identity of the Pacific Northwest and provides a brief history of the river.
		Tables: Statistical data about wheat transportation on the Columbia River and tributaries.
		Traffic Association. Calls for a centralized traffic control agency for the Columbia River and discusses organization, costs, and responsibilities.
		Tables: County-specific data regarding wheat transportation on the Columbia River and cost savings analysis of river transport compared with rail transport.
		History and Geography. Discussion of exploration of the Columbia River Basin and its tributaries. Followed by discussion of future economic welfare of the Inland Empire and development of industry, agriculture, and commerce.
		Federal Investment on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to Date. Table of government expenditures on river development.
		Information Concerning Establishing Port Districts. Discusses the advisory role of the War Department in waterway development.
		Analysis of Cost of Transportation by Barge Fleet on the Columbia River between the Dalles and Portland, the Dalles and Wallula.
		Series 2: Maps, statistical tables, and clippings about Columbia River shipping
1	2	Maps: 1935 Columbia Basin Study maps produced for the Pacific Northwest Planning Commission.
		Tables: Statistical data about transportation, including rates, lumber production and shipping, grain shipping, and apple and pear exports.