z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Designing the Bayous: The Control of Water in the Atchafalaya Basin, 1800-1995
Author(s) -
Gary P. Garrett,
Martin Reuss
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the journal of southern history
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.243
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 2325-6893
pISSN - 0022-4642
DOI - 10.2307/27649250
Subject(s) - structural basin , geology , archaeology , hydrology (agriculture) , geography , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering
: Of all the natural resources that bless the United States, none is more important than its water. The nation's rivers and streams provide vital navigation links, hydropower, fishing, recreation, and water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. At the same time, they occasionally overrun towns and farms, destroy property, threaten livelihoods, and take lives. Perhaps nowhere in the country have the conflicting purposes of water development stimulated more studies, engineering responses, and public involvement than in Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin-which includes the largest river basin swamp in North America. Since the early nineteenth century, all levels of government have been involved. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' part in the basin's development includes providing flood control and maintaining navigable channels. Today, the Atchafalaya Basin serves as a major floodway to convey Mississippi River water to the Gulf of Mexico. In this history, Dr. Reuss tells the complicated, but fascinating story of how local, state, and federal agencies have attempted to reconcile conflicting visions for the basin. In so doing, he illuminates the interaction of politics, technology, and environment. Though focusing on one area of the country, this book addresses many themes associated with the development of water resources throughout the United States.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here
Accelerating Research

Address

John Eccles House
Robert Robinson Avenue,
Oxford Science Park, Oxford
OX4 4GP, United Kingdom