What innovation did FDR's New Deal introduce to address water scarcity in the West?

The correct answer highlights the New Deal's focus on addressing critical needs in the West, particularly regarding water scarcity. Widespread irrigation projects were a direct response to the challenges faced by farmers and agricultural communities in drier regions. By investing in irrigation systems, the New Deal aimed to improve agricultural productivity and enhance food security during a period marked by economic hardship, particularly the Great Depression.

The New Deal established programs that facilitated the construction of infrastructure necessary for irrigation, which allowed for more efficient water usage and larger-scale farming. This not only helped to improve the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture but also contributed to the overall recovery of the economy in the West by fostering sustainable farming practices.

While other choices might touch on important elements of FDR's policies—like the construction of dams for hydroelectric power, which also contributed to water management and energy generation—they did not primarily address water scarcity through direct irrigation efforts, which were crucial for the agricultural landscape of the West at that time.