709, enacted July 21, 1932), was the United States's first major-relief legislation, enabled under Herbert Hoover and later adopted and expanded by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his New Deal.

It created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation which released funds for public works projects across the country.

The biggest chunk, $855,000, was designated for a major overhaul of the power plant, to put in a new turbo generator, piping, boilers, and other engines.

In another preview of New Deal spending, the government even authorized the Act funds to start building a number of destroyers in the navy yards.

The RFC was authorized to make loans to private corporations providing housing for low-income families.