The Pork Barrel

The public works bill that Jimmy Carter vetoed was a hodgepodge of hundreds of energy-producing and water-control projects. Many were clearly commendable (and supported by the President), such as the creation of a second deep-draft channel to relieve Honolulu's congested harbor and an irrigation project in northern Washington to nourish some 10,000 acres of apple orchards. But the bill also contained some projects benefiting so few people that Carter criticized them as wasteful. Some examples:

Colorado's Fruitland Mesa. The $127.9 million dam across the Gunnison River would have stored water, from three creeks flowing into it, in the west-central part of the state. But only 69 landowners now farm the affected area, and the Government's investment would have been about $1.2 million for each family.

Oklahoma's Lukfata Lake. A $48 million dam on Glover Creek in the southeast corner of the state would have provided flood control and water supplies. But the major current beneficiary of the additional fresh water would be one large catfish farm.

Oklahoma's Arcadia Lake. The dual purpose of the $75 million project on the Deep Fork River was to create new recreational facilities and water supplies, but the water is so contaminated by lead that it is unfit for swimming. Expensive treatment facilities would be required if it were to be used as drinking water for the boaters and fishermen it was designed to attract.

Louisiana's Bayou Bodcau. An $18 million project largely intended to control flooding in 20,000 acres of the state's northwestern bayou country would only benefit about 150 landowners now living there. The cost would be $100,000 per family.

Kentucky's Yatesville Dam. Started in 1974 and nearly 20% completed, the $66 million, 140-ft.-high dam was justified as a flood-control and recreation project. But it would only reduce the water crest by three inches in danger periods, and nearby recreational facilities are adequate. The dam has largely been a work project for those residents of eastern Kentucky who might otherwise be on welfare.

North Dakota's Burlington Dam. The $117 million project on the Souris River is designed to prevent periodic flooding in parts of Minot. The reservoir would be dry most of the time, and the release of the water at flood stage could create almost as much damage to farm land and the ecology as it would prevent in the city.

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