of my State that I would make every effort to expand the industry of
Maryland. Maryland is richly endowed with natural resources, but
because these have not been utilized to maximum capacity, there re-
main pockets of underdevelopment in some areas of the State.... I
want to encourage your organizations to take an active interest in indus-
trial expansion. Some of it undoubtedly will come about in areas which are
predominantly rural. I think you should be in a position to know about
new industries which may be coming to your areas, and, more im-
portant, to be in a position to convince them that you can be of
service. It seems to me, then, that you should participate actively in
local economic development and planning. I know that you are vitally
interested in the development of one of our greatest resources, the
Potomac River. Harry Nuttle and John Asher, during the last session
of our General Assembly, brought to Annapolis an interesting exhibit
showing the vast potentialities of this historic river—in water supply,
recreational benefits and hydroelectric power. I have asked our De-
partment of Economic Development to collect and analyze as much
factual information as possible about the development of this great
waterway. I am told that some of your group have been asked about
the hydroelectric potential of the river.... For several years, the
Potomac River Committee of our Legislative Council has held hearings
and are developing factual information for possible future legislation.
As I said before, one interest I had in coming here was to become
better acquainted with your leaders and your problems. We in Mary-
land are proud of our rural electrification program. We are pleased
with what REA has done in the past and have confidence in what it
will do in the future. You may be assured of my support. I hope I
may be able to be of assistance to you in your great undertaking.
ADDRESS, FREDERICK ROTARY CLUB
FREDERICK
October 12, 1960
I want to take this occasion to talk to you a little bit about our
economic development program. Strangely enough, I do not feel
this is too inappropriate a subject for Columbus Day, as Columbus
himself was interested—in a certain sense—in economic devel-
opment....
I have chosen to discuss this particular subject with you today here
in Frederick for a number of reasons. In the first place, Frederick
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