Public works administration facts for kids

The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a special group created in the United States in 1933. It was part of a big plan called the New Deal. The PWA's main goal was to help the country recover from a tough time by building many important things. It spent over $4 billion on about 34,000 projects. These projects included public buildings, highways, and parkways. A famous example is the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River. The PWA was led by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes.

What Was the PWA?

The Public Works Administration, or PWA, was set up during a difficult period in American history. This time was known as the Great Depression. Many people were out of work, and the country's economy was struggling. The PWA was created to help fix these problems.

Helping the Country Recover

The PWA was a key part of the New Deal. The New Deal was a series of programs started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its aim was to bring relief, recovery, and reform to the United States. The PWA focused on long-term recovery. It did this by creating jobs and building useful things that would last for many years.

Who Led the PWA?

The person in charge of the PWA was Harold L. Ickes. He was the United States Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Ickes was known for being very careful with money. He made sure that PWA projects were well-planned and built efficiently. His leadership helped the PWA succeed in its goals.

Building Big Projects

The PWA was a very large construction agency. It managed thousands of projects across the entire country. These projects were designed to improve America's infrastructure. Infrastructure means the basic systems and structures a country needs. This includes roads, bridges, and public buildings.

Roads, Schools, and More

The PWA built a wide variety of public works. They constructed new schools, hospitals, and courthouses. They also built bridges, tunnels, and airports. Many of these buildings and structures are still in use today. The PWA's work helped modernize the United States. It also provided much-needed jobs for millions of Americans.

Famous PWA Projects

One of the most famous projects built by the PWA is the Grand Coulee Dam. This huge dam is located on the Columbia River in Washington state. It was a massive undertaking. The dam provides electricity and helps with irrigation for farms. Other notable projects include the Triborough Bridge in New York City and the Hoover Dam (though the PWA only helped fund parts of it).

How the PWA Made a Difference

The PWA spent over $4 billion during its time. This was a huge amount of money back then. It funded about 34,000 different projects. By doing so, the PWA helped put many people back to work. It also improved the quality of life for many communities. The agency played a big role in helping the United States recover from the Great Depression. It left a lasting legacy of public buildings and infrastructure.