In fact, our happiness and our prosperity we know full well are
forever linked with the happiness and prosperity of the National Capital.
We hope that we will be able to give as much as we receive in this
unique alliance.

REMARKS, DEDICATION OF EXPANDED OFFICE BUILDING,
WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION

HYATTSVILLE
DECEMBER 12, 1964

Mr. Smith, members of the staff of the Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen:

It is indeed a privilege for me to have this opportunity to take part in
these ceremonies today, dedicating the expansion of the headquarters
facilities of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission here in
Hyattsville. The expansion and the renovation of this headquarters
building not only marks another step forward in the W. S. S. C. 's continuing
effort to provide efficient and effective service to the suburban Maryland
area, but it also reflects the tremendous growth in population in this
region and highlights the enormity of the task of providing adequate
sewer and water facilities in one of the most rapidly growing communi-
ties in the country. The population growth and rising per capita needs
have required great foresight and the application of sound engineering
principles and efficient maintenance activity on the part of the Com-
mission and its staff during the postwar years. In less than a half-cen-
tury, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission has seen its serv-
ice area grow from 95 square miles, containing about 30, 000 people, to a
service district that now covers more than 700 square miles and a cus-
tomer population of approximately 750, 000. This tremendous record of
growth, alone, would warrant the construction of a building addition,

432