 In addition to this channel (which was meant to facilitate the passage of cargo ships) the McMillan Commission proposed building a dam across the Anacostia River at Massachusetts Avenue SE or at Benning Bridge to form a large lake for fishing and recreational boating.The Commission also proposed using dredged material to build islands within the lake.The "Washington Post" reported in July 1914 that Congress had approved the plan for a dam on the river at Massachusetts Avenue SE.