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RESOLUTION 1959-1 WHEREAS, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which is charged with the responsibility of maintaining and operating the Dismal Swamp Canal, as same extends from a point near the City of Portsmouth through Norfolk County into eastern North Carolina, joining the Elizabeth and Pasquotank Rivers, has announced its intention to cease maintenance of the same; and WHEREAS, the said Dismal Swamp Canal is a vital alternate link in the intercoastal waterways extending along the east coast of the United States, and therefore is of major importance to the present and future economic l'ife of the territory served by it, and of unquestioned importance to the national defense; and WHEREAS, the said Dismal Swamp Canal is the oldest existing artificial waterway in the United States having been originally promoted by George Washing- ton and Patrick Henry, and therefore is of tremendous historical interest, WHEREAS, the said Dismal Swamp Canal provides a source of livelihood and recreation for thousands of people throughout the eastern United States. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that continued operation and maintenance of the Dismal Swamp Canal by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a part of the federal system of intercoastal waterways is of great importance to the entire eastern United States and the national defense effort, and that abandonment of said canal would advsrsely affect the economy of eastern Virginia. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of these resolutions be forwarded by the City Clerk to the Congressman and Senators representing the people of this City in Congress, to the governing bodies of the several cities and counties immediately interested in said canal, and to the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, Washington, D. C.