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

The purpose of the River and Harbor Act of 1899 was to authorize the removal and containment of water hyacinth in navigable waters. This legislation aimed to address issues related to navigation and commerce by ensuring that waterways remained accessible for transport and trade. Water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, can significantly obstruct navigable waters, hinder boating activities, and disrupt local ecosystems. By focusing on the control of water hyacinth, the act sought to improve the functionality of rivers and harbors, thereby supporting economic activities dependent on these waterways.

While the act may have implications that indirectly support other industries, such as fishing and transportation, its primary focus was on maintaining waterway usability and preventing the spread of invasive species like water hyacinth. This makes the selected answer aligned with the act's specific objectives at the time of its enactment.