FDR's first hundred days in office were a flurry of activity, with 15 major bills signed into law.

I propose to create a civilian conservation corps to be used

in simple work, not interfering with normal employment,

and confining itself to forestry, the prevention of soil erosion,

flood control and similar projects. I call your attention to

the fact that this type of work is of definite, practical value,

not only through the prevention of great present financial loss,

but also as a means of creating future national wealth.

FDR's message to the 73rd Congress on March 21, 1933.

 

 

CCC Enrollee Oath

 

(Upon entering the CCC, each enrollee subscribed to the following oath. It is a contract between the enrollee and the

U.S. Government, and should be lived up to in each respect.)

I, _______________ , do solemnly swear that the information given above as to my status is correct. 

I agree to remain in the Civilian Conservation Corps for the period terminating at the discretion of

the United States between ..................... unless sooner released by proper authority, and that

I will obey those in authority and observe all the rules and regulations thereof to the best of my ability

and will accept such allowances as may be provided pursuant to law and regulations promulgated

pursuant thereto.  I understand and agree that any injury received or disease contracted by me while

a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps cannot be made the basis against the government,

except such as I may be entitled to the Act of September 7, 1916(39 Stat. 724)

( an act to provide compensation for employees of the United States suffering injuries while in the

performance of their duties and for other purposes), and that I shall not be entitled to any allowances

upon release from camp, except transportation in kind to the place at which I was accepted for enrollment. 

I understand further that any articles issued to me by the United States Government for the use

while a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps are, and remain, property of the United States

Government and that willful destruction, loss, sale, or disposal of such property renders me financially

responsible for the cost thereof and liable to trial in the civil courts.  I understand further that any infraction

of the rules or regulations of the Civilian Conservation Corps renders me liable to the expulsion therefrom.  

So help me God.

 

Total number of different camps: 4,500

Highest elevation of CCC camp: 9,200 feet above sea level in Colorado

Lowest elevation of CCC camp: 270 feet below sea level, Death Valley, Calif.

Camp locations: Every state in the Union, plus Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Total cost: $3,000,000,000

Approximate cost per enrollee per year for food, clothing, overhead, and allotments to dependents: $1,000

Allotments to Dependents: $662,895,000

Number of people directly benefited from enrollees’ checks: 12 million to 15 million

Value of Work in 1942 Dollars: $2 billion

Miles of roads built: 125,000

Miles of telephone lines strung: 89,000

Miles of foot trails built: 13,100

Farmlands benefited from erosion control projects: 40 million acres

Stream and lake bank protection: 154 million square yards

Range revegetation: 814,000 acres

Firefighting days: More than 8 million

Number of enrollees who died fighting Fires: 79

Overall death rate: 2.25 per thousand

State parks developed: 800

Public campground development: 52,000 acres