Resurfacing of Vital 1939 Engineering Report Highlights Long-Term Flood Control Efforts for Susquehanna River at Sunbury, PA
A significant historical document concerning flood control measures for the Susquehanna River at Sunbury, Pennsylvania, has been recently made available through the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s (GPO) GovInfo platform. The report, originally published as H. Doc. 76-366, titled “Susquehanna River at Sunbury, Pa.,” was transmitted by the Secretary of War on June 23, 1939, following a survey conducted by the Chief of Engineers, United States Army. The document, which includes accompanying papers and an illustration, was referred to the Committee on Flood Control and ordered to be printed, underscoring the federal government’s long-standing attention to the region’s flood management needs.
This resurfacing of the 1939 report provides valuable historical context and insight into the engineering assessments and proposed solutions for flood mitigation in Sunbury at that time. The Chief of Engineers’ detailed report, dated June 14, 1939, likely outlined the hydrological conditions of the Susquehanna River, identified areas of particular vulnerability to flooding, and presented recommendations for protective infrastructure or operational strategies. The inclusion of accompanying papers and an illustration suggests a comprehensive technical study, possibly featuring maps, cross-sections, or design proposals.
The referral of this document to the Committee on Flood Control signifies the recognized importance of the Susquehanna River’s behavior and its potential impact on the community of Sunbury. Flood control has historically been a critical concern for communities situated along major waterways, and reports such as this represent foundational efforts in understanding and addressing these challenges.
The GovInfo platform, managed by the GPO, serves as an invaluable digital archive for official publications of the U.S. government. Its recent update making H. Doc. 76-366 publicly accessible at 18:16 on August 15, 2025, ensures that researchers, local historians, engineers, and interested citizens can now readily access this piece of engineering and governmental history.
Understanding the historical context provided by documents like this 1939 report can offer valuable perspectives on the evolution of flood control strategies and infrastructure development over the decades. It allows for a deeper appreciation of the persistent efforts to safeguard communities from the impacts of natural water systems and highlights the continuous commitment to improving public safety and resilience. This historical record serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of responsible resource management and the proactive measures taken to address potential environmental challenges.
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govinfo.gov Congressional SerialSet published ‘H. Doc. 76-366 – Susquehanna River at Sunbury, Pa. Letter from the Secretary of War, transmitting a letter from the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, dated June 14, 1939, submitting a report, together with accompanying papers and an illustration, on survey of Susquehanna River at Sunbury, Pa … June 23, 1939. — Referred to the Committee on Flood Control and ordered to be printed with an illustration’ at 2025-08-15 18:16. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.