418 DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF THE FLORIDA CANAL

 feeling on the canal project, as it should be allowed to stand on its own merit
 as a project for the people of Florida. We should not divide ourselves on issues
 of this character. Warmest personal regards.
 FRANK M. TRAYNos.
 DOCUMENT NO. 141 (CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, 74TH CONG, 2D SESS,
 MAY 29, 1936), MAY 29, 1936
 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO Fimsr DEFICNCr BILL, 1936 (74TH CONG.,
 2D SEzs), B SENAToB ROBINsON
 The joint resolution (S. J. Res. 266) offered by Senator Robinson
 on May 12, 1936, having been favorably reported out by the Senate
 Committee on Commerce, to which it had been referred, Senator
 Robinson on May 29, 1936, offered the same in the Senate as an
 amendment to the first deficiency bill for 1936. The following is
 extracted from the Congressional Record of that date:
 Mr. RBosIxson. Mr. President, I desire to offer an amendment to the commit-
 tee amendment I had prepared the amendment so that it should come after
 line 10, on page 30, understanding that the paragraph to which reference is
 now being made was a single amendment. I offer the amendment to the
 amendment, and ask that it be stated.
 The Paamure Oman. The amendment will be stated.
 The Cam CLmK. On page 80, after line 10, it Is proposed to insert the fol-
 lowing:
 "That the President of the United States is authorized to appoint two boards
 of three members each, one to be known as the Florida Canal Board and the
 other as the Passamaquoddy Board, the members of which shall be qualified
 members of the engineering profession who are not employees of the United
 States, or of the State of Florida, or of the State of Maine, and who have
 in no manner been connected with or have any financial interest, present or
 prospective. in what are known as the Atlantic-Gulf ship canal project, Florida,
 and the Passamaquoddy tidal power project, Maine.
 "The Florida Canal Board shall review the reports heretofore rendered in
 connection with the project for a sea-level ship canal across the State of
 Florida, with particular reference to the questions of (a) whether the con-
 struction of such a canal across the State of Florida between the St. Johns
 River and the Withlacoochee River would create any consequential or irre-
 mediable disturbance of the ground water levels of the State of Florida; (b)
 the estimated costs of constructing, maintaining, and operating such a canal;
 and (c) the justification for the expenditure of the Federal funds estimated
 to be required. The Board shall make such further study of these and other
 pertinent questions relating to this project as it may deem necessary.
 "The Passamaquoddy Board shall review the reports heretofore rendered in
 connection with the Passamaquoddy tidal power project in the State of Maine,
 with particular reference to the questions of (a) the engineering feasibility of
 the project: (b) its justification, including the possibilities with respect to the
 establishment of industries requiring electric power in eastern Maine; (c) its
 scientific value from the knowledge and experience to be gained with respect
 to tidal-power development; and (d) estimated costs of construction, operation,
 and maintenance. The Board shall make such further study of these and other
 pertinent questions relating to this project as it may deem necessary.
 "Each of the aforementioned boards shall report its findings and recom-
 mendations to the President on or before July 20, 1986. Should the conclusions
 of such boards be favorable to the continuance by the Federal Government of
 the two projects hereinbefore mentioned, or either of them, the President is
 hereby authorized to make allotments for carrying forward such project or
 projects during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1987, from any funds now or
 hereafter available for relief and work relief on useful projects, as follows:
 "For a ship canal across the State of Florida, not to exceed $10,000,000:
 Provided That the total estimated capital cost of such canal shall not exceed
$150,000,000. including all funds previously allotted thereto