Final answer:
The New Deal water management projects aimed to support agriculture and address the Dust Bowl's impact, leading to the construction of dams like the Hoover Dam that transformed the American West and promoted urban growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goals of the New Deal water management projects were primarily to support agricultural production and alleviate the effects of the Dust Bowl, answer option b. These initiatives included the construction of massive dams like the Hoover Dam, which provided electricity and water for irrigation, leading to the growth of agriculture and urban areas in the West.
While the New Deal programs aimed to provide work and revitalize the economy, water management projects were specifically directed at transforming the desolate landscapes of the west into fertile, productive lands. This led to a population shift and urban development, especially in regions such as Las Vegas and Southern California. Projects also addressed environmental concerns, such as preventing a recurrence of the Dust Bowl, though some restrictions placed on water usage were eventually loosened to facilitate industrial and urban growth.