Economic Analysis of Surface Water Projects “Criteria Applicable to the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada”

The objectives of this study are to: Review American and Canadian procedures on benefit-cost analysis for resource development, with particular reference to land and water development in the Prairie Provinces; Develop criteria for benefit-cost analysis applicable to the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada; and Identify economic problems and public policy issues in water resource development, in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The study involves an examination of the theoretical framework for project formulation and evaluation; and an analysis of the methods used by various agencies in project formulation and evaluation, specifically in the areas of erosion control, flood control, drainage, irrigation, power development, municipal and industrial water supply, pollution control, fish and wildlife and recreation. Excluded from consideration are projects for forest management, saline water control, and ground water management.Navigation is given only cursory study. This study is concerned with public policies only insofar as it is necessary to describe the policies and institutional framework within which decisions are made for resource development. The project evaluation procedures which were examined are for the following U.S.A. agencies: (1) Soil Conservation Service Of the United States Department of Agriculture; (2) Corps of Army Engineers of the United States Department of the Army; (3) Bureau of Reclamation of the United States Department of Interior; (4) The Tennessee Valley Authority; and (5) Other relatively minor U.S.A government agencies. Canadian water resources development is more fragmented among federal and provincial governments.An examination will be made of the procedures used by the following: (1) Government of Canada – International Joint Commission, Department of Agriculture, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, Maritime Marshland Reclamation Administration; (2) Canada- British Columbia Fraser River Board; (3)The Government of Manitoba – Royal Commission on Flood Cost Benefit, Department of Public Works; and (4) Government of Saskatchewan, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Development Branch, Department of Natural Resources, Saskatchewan Power Corporation. Advisor: Loyd K. Fische