What was the focus of the River and Harbor Act of 1899?

The River and Harbor Act of 1899 primarily focused on the regulation and management of navigable waterways in the United States. One of its key provisions was to address the issue of water pollution and obstructions in navigable waters, which included the control of aquatic plants like water hyacinth. The act emphasized the need for federal oversight and intervention in maintaining these water bodies to ensure safe navigation and ecological balance.

By authorizing construction and control measures for the removal of water hyacinth, the act directly aimed to improve the navigability of rivers and harbors, prevent flooding, and enhance the conditions for maritime commerce. This was essential in a time when the transportation infrastructure was crucial for economic development. Other options, such as regulating fishing licenses, creating public parks, or funding aquatic research, are not representative of the primary intent of the Act, which was firmly rooted in the management of navigable waters.