[PW] how to find WPA info

[Bill Davis]

Sometimes you run into confusion about the various recovery projects from 
that era.  I was also told "the C.C.C." had built a local park, and later 
found it was actually the "N.Y.A."    I don't know if this has any 
relevance to your query, but here is one summary I found online of some of 
those projects:

"The P.W.A., Public Works Administration, made contracts with private firms 
for construction of public works. It provided employment, stabilized 
purchasing power, improved public welfare and contributed to revival of 
American industry. Big money was spent on big projects.

The W.P.A., Works Progress Administration, employed millions of people and 
affected nearly every locality in the country. Under this program many 
pubic buildings were built, roads and bridges were built. It fed and 
clothed people and provided housing.

The R.F.C., Reconstruction Finance Corporation, was started under Hoover 
and enlarged under Roosevelt. It was started to give financial aid to 
railroads, financial institutions and business. In 1932 it was broadened to 
give aid to agriculture and financing for state and local public works.

The C.C.C., Civilian Conservation Corps, was a work relief program for 
young men from unemployed families designed to combat poverty and 
unemployment. The C.C.C. operated in all of the states and several 
territories. The C.C.C. operated many conservation projects, including 
prevention of soil erosion and building of lakes. The C.C.C. planted over 
five billion trees.

If the C.C.C. program was started up again for tree planting purposes this 
would go a long way toward answering the greenhouse gas problem. The new 
trees would use up carbon dioxide in the photosynthesis process.

The National Youth Administration, N.Y.A., served high school and college 
age youth providing these young people part time work and job training. 
This program included aid for young women."

Bill Davis


At 08:27 AM 5/16/2008, you wrote:

>Does anyone know where I can find information about W.P.A. projects?
>(Works Projects Administration or Works Progress Administration) I've
>searched for both variations, looked at the National Archives, LOC, GSA
>(they took over the artistic WPA projects) and numerous other sites.
>What we're looking for specifically is any information about projects
>with these designations (in Pennsylvania): 20455, SW-254, and SW-103.
>Any leads at all would be most appreciated.
>
>~Michelle
>
>