The erratic flow of the Missouri River creates a severe flood hazard. In 1947 floods caused an estimated total of 111 million dollars' damage in the Missouri River Basin.

In the upper basin the main demands for the waters of the Missouri River and its tributaries are for irrigation and power. In the lower basin the major problems are navigation, protection from floods and power. Wind and water erosion and inadequate industrial development are problems affecting the Basin as a whole. It is important that a program be formulated which will solve the problems enumerated, benefit a large number of people and make the most efficient and economical use of the Basin's resources.