Thames River, Connecticut: A Comprehensive Reexamination Report Submitted to Congress
On August 15, 2025, at 6:10 PM Eastern Time, GovInfo.gov, the official online repository for United States government information, published a significant document: House Document 76-367, detailing a reexamination of the Thames River in Connecticut. This report, transmitted to Congress by the Secretary of War, originates from a letter penned by the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, dated June 13, 1939. The document, which includes accompanying papers and an illustration, was officially referred to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors and ordered to be printed for public access.
This publication marks a milestone in the ongoing understanding and management of the Thames River, a vital waterway with a rich history and considerable economic importance to the state of Connecticut. The report, originating from a 1939 assessment, provides a valuable historical snapshot of the river’s condition and the considerations being made for its future at that time.
While the specifics of the 1939 report’s findings are detailed within the document itself, the nature of such Army Corps of Engineers reports typically involves a thorough examination of a river’s navigability, its potential for improvement, and its role in commerce and public works. These reports often consider factors such as:
- Navigation: Assessing the existing depths, widths, and conditions of the river for commercial and recreational boating. This may include identifying any obstructions or areas that could benefit from dredging or other improvements to enhance safe passage.
- Flood Control: Evaluating the river’s susceptibility to flooding and proposing potential measures to mitigate flood risks for surrounding communities and infrastructure.
- Harbor and Port Development: Examining the existing port facilities and considering opportunities for expansion or modernization to support economic growth and trade.
- Environmental Considerations: While the emphasis in 1939 might have differed from modern environmental standards, reports of this nature often touched upon the river’s natural resources and any potential impacts of proposed works.
- Economic Impact: Analyzing the river’s contribution to the local and regional economy, including its role in transportation, industry, and tourism.
The inclusion of an illustration suggests a visual component to the report, likely depicting key geographical features, proposed engineering works, or relevant data visualizations. This visual aid would have been crucial for policymakers and stakeholders in understanding the scope and implications of the Army Corps of Engineers’ recommendations.
The referral of this document to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors underscores its relevance to congressional oversight of water resources development and infrastructure projects. This committee plays a critical role in shaping legislation and allocating funding for the nation’s waterways.
The availability of House Document 76-367 on GovInfo.gov ensures that historical records pertaining to the Thames River are accessible to researchers, policymakers, and the general public. This reexamination report, despite its historical origins, offers a valuable perspective on the long-term stewardship and management of this important American waterway. It serves as a testament to the continuous efforts to understand, maintain, and improve the nation’s vital river systems for the benefit of commerce, transportation, and the communities they serve.
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govinfo.gov Congressional SerialSet published ‘H. Doc. 76-367 – Thames River, Conn. Letter from the Secretary of War, transmitting a letter from the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, dated June 13, 1939, submitting a report, together with accompanying papers and an illustration, on reexamination of Thames River, Conn … June 23, 1939. — Referred to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors and ordered to be printed with an illustration’ at 2025-08-15 18:10. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.