Unveiling a Historical Report: Disposition of Records by the Public Works Administration and Federal Works Agency
A significant document from the annals of American public administration has recently been made available through govinfo.gov, the official repository of U.S. government information. On August 23, 2025, at precisely 01:54 UTC, the Congressional Serial Set published H. Rept. 77-717, titled “Disposition of records by the Public Works Administration, Federal Works Agency. June 2, 1941. — Ordered to be printed.” This report offers a valuable glimpse into the administrative practices and record-keeping procedures of two prominent federal agencies during a pivotal era in American history.
The Public Works Administration (PWA), established in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, played a crucial role in stimulating the economy through large-scale public works projects. It funded the construction of everything from bridges and dams to schools and hospitals, leaving a tangible legacy across the nation. In 1939, the PWA was consolidated into the newly formed Federal Works Agency (FWA). The FWA, in turn, continued to oversee a wide array of public construction and improvement programs.
The report, dated June 2, 1941, speaks to the careful consideration given to the management and disposition of the extensive records generated by these impactful agencies. In an era preceding the widespread adoption of digital technologies, the meticulous handling of paper-based records was paramount for accountability, historical preservation, and the efficient functioning of government.
While the specific contents of H. Rept. 77-717 are not detailed in the announcement, its title strongly suggests that the report addresses the procedures and decisions made regarding the archiving, transfer, or destruction of documents created by the PWA and later the FWA. Such reports were typically produced by congressional committees to inform legislative bodies and the public about important governmental operations. This particular report would have been ordered to be printed, indicating its formal acceptance and availability for wider distribution and review by Members of Congress and interested parties.
The availability of this historical document through govinfo.gov is a testament to the commitment to transparency and public access to government records. Researchers, historians, archivists, and anyone interested in the administrative history of the New Deal era and the evolution of federal agencies will find this publication to be a valuable resource. It provides an opportunity to understand the practical challenges and policies surrounding record management in the mid-20th century, a time when the federal government was undergoing significant expansion and undertaking ambitious national projects.
The inclusion of “Disposition of records” in the title underscores the importance of responsible stewardship of government documentation. Understanding how records were managed and what was preserved offers insights into what information was deemed significant at the time and how the government ensured its continuity and accessibility.
This recent addition to the Congressional Serial Set serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of archival records in understanding the past and informing the present. We encourage all those with an interest in public administration, American history, or the legacy of the New Deal to explore this newly accessible report.
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govinfo.gov Congressional SerialSet published ‘H. Rept. 77-717 – Disposition of records by the Public Works Administration, Federal Works Agency. June 2, 1941. — Ordered to be printed’ at 2025-08-23 01:54. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please re ply in English with the article only.