DEAR MR. DOMINY: The Committee on Public Works, in executive ession on January 16, 1962, approved a committee resolution authorzing hearings, study, and a report on the use of materials in the onstruction of buildings, roads, water resource projects, and other ublic works. To attain the objective of the committee, it will be most helpful if we could obtain the cooperation of industry and the Government gencies in the collection of information called for by the resolution; herefore, it will be appreciated if you will supply us with such infornation as is related to your interest or activity. A copy of the resolution is enclosed for your information. If you equire further details, please contact Mr. John L. Mutz, of the ommittee staff, who is in charge of handling this particular study. I believe that with the new materials and new uses of known materials being developed and utilized, we should be able to gather considerable information on the subject, thereby making an extremely interesting and constructive contribution to the various producers, fabricators, and users of materials. Furthermore, it would be most useful and helpful if we were to obtain information with respect to new designs and new methods of installation of materials. It is my hope that your organization will be in a position to appear before the Committee on Public Works to make a formal presentation during the early part of April 1962. After the hearings or presentations are completed, it is planned to have a committee report prepared thereon and submitted to the Senate. I would appreciate it if you would advise me if you will be able to complete such a report for presentation to the committee at the suggested time, so that we may set tentative dates for the hearings. Sincerely yours, DENNIS CHAVEZ, Chairman. [87th Cong., 2d sess., U.S. Senate, Committee on Public Works] COMMITTEE RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR A STUDY AND INVESTIGATION OF USE OF MATERIALS IN PUBLIC WORKS Whereas the Senate Committee on Public Works has under its jurisdiction measures relating to flood control and rivers and harbors, roads, and highways, public buildings, water pollution control, waterpower, and other matters relating to developments within the Nation; and Whereas the Senate Committee on Public Works has authority to make investigations into any matter within its jurisdiction; and Whereas the Senate Committee on Public Works members have been vitally interested in the development, protection, and utilization of our Nation's water resources as evidenced by their active participation in the hearings and deliberations of the Senate Select Committee on National Water Resources; and Whereas there are now being produced and our scientists and technicians, both in industry and Government, are working on and perfecting many new materials and new uses of known materials and it is evident that such materials can be utilized efficiently and economically in the construction of public works, in the protection and operation of such works, in the preseveration and proper utilization of our essential water resources and that such materials and their development and use enhance the opportunities for industrial and business growth and strengthening of our Nation's economy; and Whereas representatives of industry and the Federal Government have shown a keen interest in discussing and disclosing their roles in the fields of research, development and utilization of materials: Therefore, be it Resolved, by a unanimous vote of the Senate Committee on Public Works, That the committee shall institute a study and investigation into the use of new materials, new use of materials, and new designs and methods being used or which may be used in flood control and rivers and harbors, roads and highways, public buildings, water pollution control, waterpower and other development, utilization, preservation, and protection projects, and that a committee report be prepared thereon and submitted to the Senate. SEC. 2. Such study and investigation shall include but not be limited to metals, plastics, rubber, coal, petroleum, timber, concrete, asphalt, chemicals and their direct use, uses of their derivatives or use in combination with each other or other materials, and shall attempt to determine the following: (a) Description of proposed use of application of the subject material; (b) General description of the materials in terms of physical and chemical characteristics and where possible, obtain a description of the physical or chemical phenomenon responsible for obtalning the desired effect; (c) Results of laboratory and field tests to prove that the desired effect occurs and prove the durability or duration of the effect of the material; (d) The limitations of the materials, i.e., problems of toxicity, limitation of effectiveness under certain climate, soil, or physical conditions; (e) Cost of materials per standard units, i.e., square foot, lineal foot, cubic foot, etc., and cost projection in terms of future production capacity, improved manufacturing techniques, etc.; and (f) Availability of material both on a current and future basis. Adopted: January 22, 1962. DENNIS CHAVEZ, Chairman. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Hon. DENNIS CHAVEZ, Chairman, Committee on Public Works, DEAR SENATOR CHAVEZ: In response to your letter of January 30 1962, addressed to Commissioner of Reclamation Floyd Dominy, w are pleased to submit the enclosed statement on new materials, equip ment, and techniques for using available water resources, which Com missioner Dominy has had compiled for the study which your com mittee is conducting. This statement is intended to give the commit tee, as well as members of industry attending the hearings to be hel in conjunction with this study, an understanding of uses to which the Bureau of Reclamation has put new engineering materials equipment, and techniques, and some insight into problem areas fo which industry may be able to provide additional solutions. The Bureau's report is divided into three principal sections as follows: I. Introduction. II. Review of background experience in protection of water resources. III. Review of new materials, equipment, and techniques for water resources management. We are confident this report will prove of value to the committee in the conduct of its study and that benefits will be reflected to the Bureau of Reclamation in carrying out its responsibility for water resources development in the arid regions of the Western States. Sincerely yours, KENNETH HOLUM, Assistant Secretary of the Interior. |