The correct answer is C) the canals would supply water for drinking and irrigation to the surrounding region.
George Washington supported the construction of canals on the James River near Richmond because the canals would supply water for drinking and irrigation to the surrounding region.
Geroge Washington indeed designed the construction of the Kanawha Canal on the James River to facilitate the transportation of people and goods in 1785. The construction had its complication because of the money needed to fund the project and the many floods of the river. Finally, it was partially done by 1851, due to the support of the Virginia Board of Public Works.
