American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the major regional development program known as during the early years of the New Deal Era?

1. The Tennessee Valley Authority

2. The USHA Program

3. The Greenbelt Towns

4. The PWA Program

The correct answer is: The Tennessee Valley Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority, commonly referred to as the TVA, was a significant regional development program established during the early years of the New Deal Era. Initiated in 1933, the TVA aimed to improve economic conditions in the Tennessee Valley, which had been severely affected by the Great Depression. This program focused on providing jobs, improving infrastructure, and boosting the economy through the development of hydroelectric power, flood control, and the modernization of agriculture. The TVA is noteworthy for its comprehensive approach to regional development, combining environmental stewardship with economic planning. It represented a shift in how the federal government engaged with local communities, implementing large-scale projects that transformed the region's infrastructure and economy. This program is often seen as a model for subsequent federal initiatives aimed at regional revitalization. In contrast, while the other options listed had roles in development and planning, they are not as closely associated with the overarching goal of regional recovery and modernization in the manner that the TVA was during its inception. The different programs served varied purposes, with some focused more specifically on housing or public works, but the TVA stands out as a cornerstone of New Deal developmental strategy.