0

4

.1n SO3 

Ne/

H 39 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

60VERNM E

Storage

-

ru

HEARING

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON

IRRIGATION AND RECLAMATION

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON

INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS

UNITED STATES SENATE

EIGHTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS

SECOND SESSION

ON

S. 2630

A BILL TO AMEND THE ACT OF JUNE 12, 1948 (62 STAT.

382), IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION,

OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF TH E KENNEWICK

DIVISION EXTENSION, YAKIMA PROJECT, WASHINGTON,

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

APRIL 13, 1964

Printed for the use of the

Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

31-893 WASHINGTON : 1964
COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS,

HENRY M. JACKSON, Washington, Chairman

CLINTON P. ANDERSON, New Mexico

ALAN BIBLE, Nevada

FRANK CHURCH, Idaho

ERNEST GRUENING, Alaska

FRANK E. MOSS, Utah

QUENTIN N. BURDICK, North Dakota

CARL HAYDEN, Arizona

GEORGE McGOVERN, South Dakota

GAYLORD NELSON, Wisconsin

HERBERT S. WALTERS, Tennessee

JERRY T. VERECLER, Stall Director

THOMAS S. FOLEY, Special Counsel

THOMAS H. KUCHEL, California

GORDON ALLOTT, Colorado

LEN B. JORDAN, Idaho

MILWARD L. SIMPSON, Wyoming

E. L. MECHEM, New Mexico

PETER H. DOMINICK, Colorado

SUBCOMMITTEE ON IRRIGATION AND RECLAMATION

FRANK E. MOSS, Utah, Chairman

CLINTON P. ANDERSON, New Mexico

HENRY M. JACKSON, Washington

FRANK CHURCH, Idaho

QUENTIN N. BURDICK, North Dakota

CARL HAYDEN, Arizona

THOMAS H. KUCHEL, California

GORDON ALLOTT, Colorado,

LEN B. JORDAN, Idaho

r: f
CON TEN TS

Page

S. 2630 1

Departmental reports:

Bureau of the Budget 2

Interior 2

STATEMENTS

Lee, J. Karl, assistant chief, Division of Project Development, Bureau of Reclamation; accompanied by Norman Moore, assistant regional director,

Bureau of Reclamation, at Boise, Idaho 5

Rosellini Hon. Albert D., Governor of the State of Washington 14 Welsh, William E., executive director, National Reclamation Association 11

COMMUNICATIONS

Balcom, Maurice C., and Moe, Eric T., secretary, Balcom & Moe, Inc., Grandview, Wash.: Letter to Hon. Henry M. Jackson and Hon. Warren

G. Magnuson, Senators from the State of Washington, dated April 7,

1964 18

Brown, Wes P., chairman, Board of County Commissioners, Benton

County: Letter to Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, dated April 6, 1964 17 Conner, Herbert and Marie: Letter to Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, dated March 31, 1964_ _ 19 Green, James L., secretary, Grandview Chamber of Commerce: Letter to

Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and

Insular Affairs, dated March 9, 1964 17

Hoppe, Rosadell, secretary, Kennewick Irrigation District: Letter to

Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and

Insular Affairs, dated April 8, 1964 14 Markham, L. W., general manager, Spokane Chamber of Commerce: Letter

to Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and

Insular Affairs, dated April 4, 1964 18 Mellor, Ross, chairman, KID Landowner Committee, Prosser, Wash.:

Letter to Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior

and Insular Affairs, dated April 6, 1964 15 Palmerton, Arthur L. and Mary Margaret, Seattle, Wash.: Letter to

Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and

Insular Affairs, dated March 29, 1964 19 Seidl, Frank J., Troutdale, Oreg.: Letter to Hon. Maurine B. Neuberger,

a U.S. Senator from the State of Oregon, dated March 27, 1964 19 Shaw, Marshall T., secretary, Kennewick Irrigation District Extension

Landowners Committee: Letter to the Senate Committee on Interior and

Insular Affairs, dated April 8, 1964 16 Tweedt, Lauren H., president, Prosser Chamber of Commerce: Letter to

Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, dated April 8, 1964 17

Van Wormer, Paul, chairman, Agribusiness Committee, Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce: Letter to Senator Henry M. Jackson, chairman,

Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, dated April 9, 1964 17

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Minutes of KID board members and KID Extension Committee meeting

with Bureau of Reclamation representatives 15 Resolutions:

Kennewick Irrigation District 14 National Reclamation Association 12

III

KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1964

U.S. SENATE,

SUBCOMMITTEE ON IRRIGATION AND RECLAMATION OF THE

COMMI1TEE ON INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS,

Washington, D .0 .

The subcommittee met at 9 a.m., pursuant to call, in room 3112, New

Senate Office Building, Senator Henry M. Jackson (chairman of the

committee) presiding.

Present: Senators Henry M. Jackson (Washington) , and Len B.

Jordan (Idaho) .

Also present: Jerry T. Verkler, staff director; Roy M. Whitacre,

professional staff member; Richard W. C. Falknor, professional staf

member.

Senator JACKSON. The committee will come to order.

We take up this morning S. 2630 to provide for the construction,

operation, and maintenance of the Kennewick division extension,

Yakima project, Washington. We will print the bill and reports from

the Departments at this point.

(The bill and reports follow:)

[S. 2630, 88th Cong., 2d sess.]

A BILL To amend the Act of June 12, 1948 (62 Stat. 382), in order to provide for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kennewick division extension, Yakima project, Washington, and for other purposes

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States

of America in Congress assembled, That the Act of June 12, 1948 (62 Stat. 382),

is hereby amended as follows:

(a) Insert the words "and Kennewick division extension", after the words

"Kennewick division" in section 1 and add the following items to the principal

units listed in said section: "Kiona siphon" and "Relift pumping plants".

(b) Insert at the end of section 3 the following: "Costs of the Kennewick

division extension allocated to irrigation which are determined by the Secretary

to be in excess of the water users' ability to repay within a fifty-six-year repayment period following a ten-year development period, to the extent they may be

in excess of Yakima project net power revenues in that period after meeting the

requirements specified in (1), (2), and (3) above shall be returned to the reclamation fund from revenues derived by the Secretary from the disposition of power

marketed through the Bonneville Power Administration from the AlcNary Dam

project: Provided, That section 5 of this Act shall not be applicable to the revenues derived from the McNary Dam project."
2 KEN1NEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT,

BUREAU OF THE BUDGET,

Washington, D.C., April 10, 1964.

HOD. HENRY M. JACKSON,

Chairman, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs,

U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: This is in response to your request of March 18, 1964,

for the views of the Bureau of the Budget on S. 2630, a bill to amend the act

of June 12, 1948 (62 Stat. 382), in order to provide for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kennewick division extension, Yakima project,

Washington, and for other purposes.

The purpose of the bill is clearly stated in its title.

The Department of the Interior, in a report being submitted to your committee. recommends that the bill be amended to provide that repayment of costs

allocated to the irrigation beyond the repayment ability of the water users shall

be from revenues of the Federal Columbia River power system as a whole, and

not just the MeNary Dam.

Accordingly, the Bureau of the Budget would have no objection to the enactment of S. 2630 if amended as proposed by the Department of the Interior.

Sincerely yours,

PHILLIP S. HUGHES,

Assistant Director for Legislative Reference.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY,

Washington, D.C., April 10, 196/1.

Hon. HENRY M. JACKSON,

Chairman, Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs,

U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR JACKSON: This responds to your request for the views of this

Department on S. 2630, a bill to amend the act of June 12, 1948 (62 Stat. 382),

in order to provide for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the

Kennewick division extension, Yakima project, Washington, and for other

purposes.

We recommend enactment of the bill if it is amended as suggested hereinafter.

S. 2630 would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate,

and maintain the Kennewick division extension, a 6.300-acre irrigation development of the Kennewick division, Yakima project, Washington. This would be

accomplished through appropriate amendments to the act of June 12, 1948 (62

Stat. 382) which authorized the Kennewick division. The bill provides that

financial assistance from McNary Dam power revenues shall be available to

repay costs allocated to irrigation which are beyond the ability of the water

users to repay and which cannot be met from net power revenues of the Yakima

project itself.

The existing Kennewick division serves about 19,000 acres of land. Section 6

of the act of June 12, 1948, authorized the Secretary of the Interior to construct extra capacity in the division's main canal to provide for the future irrigation of approximately 7,000 acres of land in addition to the then proposed

development, and to recognize the cost of providing such capacity as a deferred

obligation to be paid at such time as the additional area was brought into the

project. The main canal was constructed with extra capacity at a cost of

$341,000, which has since been carried as a deferred obligation.

The Kennewick division extension would utilize the capacity thus provided,

together with additional works which would be constructed, to deliver an irrigation water supply to the 6,300 acres of extension lands. Specific new works

required are a hydraulic pump at the Chandler pumping plant to lift additional

water into the main canal, through which the water would flow for 6.7 miles.

There it would be diverted into the Kiona siphon, which would carry the water

5,800 feet across Badger Draw to the extension lands. Six relift pump plants,

six main canals, a system of laterals and drainage works, and electrical transmission facilties to serve the pumping installations are the remaining new facilities required. Power and energy for irrigation water pumping for the extension

will be made available from the Federal Columbia River power system at charges

determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
KENNE WICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 3

Most of the lands of the Kennewick division extension are presently dry.

About 100 acres of the best lands have been planted to dryland wheat. The

balance supports only sagebrush and native grasses used for livestock grazing.

Under project development the primary land use expected would be for growing

feed and general row crops. Lesser acreages of fruit and speciality crops—

grapes, sweet cherries, prunes, peaches, apricots, mint, and asparagus—would

also probably be produced. The soil and climate are well suited to all the foregoing crops.

The Kennewick Irrigation District has long been interested in full development

of the irrigable lands in the area. The district supported development of the

entire area when the Kennewick division lands were brought under irrigation.

Nearly all the lands in the extension have been in the district for many years.

The Kennewick division extension is basically an irrigation development, but

benefits to wildlife resources will also be realized. The Fish and Wildlife Service

reports that irrigation of these lands will be beneficial to upland game birds.

Opportunities to develop significant benefits to recreation, flood control, municipal and industrial water supply, or other purposes are not available.

The total investment in th'e Kennewick division extension would be $5,250,400.

This is made up of $4,720,000 in construction costs, $341,000 in deferred costs of

the Kennewick division attributable to enlarged main canal capacity and assignable to the division extension, and the extension's pro rata share of storage

costs of the Yakima project, $189,000.

Of the foregoing cost, $5,115,500 is allocated to irrigation and $134,900 to fish

and wildlife enhancement. The costs allocated to fish and wildlife enhancement

would be noreimbursable. Costs allocated to irrigation would be reimbursable

without interest. The irrigators would return $1,914,640 or 37.4 percent of the

costs allocated to irrigation. The $3,200,860 financial assistance required would

be derived from power revenues. The Kennewick division's Chandler powerplant, which is a unit of the Federal Columbia River power system, would provide a portion of the financial assistance. The repayment schedules for the

Kennewick division, including the Chandler powerplant, provide that its costs

will be amortized before the end of the repayment period for the extension lands.

Power revenues theretofore devoted to repaying Kennewick division costs would

then become available for financial assistance to the extension. Under the bill

the remaining financial assistance required would come from revenues derived

from the disposition of power generated at McNary Dam.

Payout procedures now in effect for the Federal Columbia River power system,

of which the MeNary Dam is a unit, pool revenues from all units on a consolidated system basis all financial obligations, including irrigation assistance as

authorized, are met from the pooled system revenues. This procedure is generally similar to those employed in the Central Valley of California and the

Missouri River Basin. All presently authorized major units of the Federal

Columbia River power system will have been paid out before the Kennewick

division extension repayment period expires and the financial assistance requirements for the extension will be only a small fraction of 1 year's net revenues

from the power system.

To conform S. 2630 to the aforesaid payout procedure, the Federal Columbia

River power system as a whole—and not just the MeNary Dam—should be made

the source of financial assistance. The words "from the MeNary Dam project"

should therefore be deleted from lines 11 and 12 on page 2.

Policies in effect at the time the Kennewick division was authorized required

that all reimbursable project costs be repaid from revenues derived from the

project. This required an overall repayment period of 66 years for the facilities

built under the 1948 act. S. 2630, which would authorize the Kennewick division

extension by adding it to the authorization of the 1948 act, would make the

same repayment period applicable to the extenion. We believe that this is appropriate even though current congressional policy is that reimbursable reclamation project costs shall be returned in full within 50 years. The extension

water users will be using many of the same facilities, and will bear a prorated

share of the district operation, maintenance, and replacement costs as do other

Kennewick division water users. It is equitable that their repayment obligation should run for the same number of years as other division water users.

Irrigation water users make annual payments toward retiring irrigation cost

allocations in accordance with their ability to pay. Thus, the effect of a longer

repayment period is that the water users bear more of the irrigation costs.

Section 5 of the act of June 12. 1948, provides that one-fifth of the revenues

derived from the interest component of power rates of the Kennewick division,
4 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

Yakima project, may be applied toward repayment of Kennewick division irrigation costs assigned for return from power revenues. Under S. 2630 this

arrangement would extend to the Kennewick division extension as well. The

proviso appearing at lines 12, 13, and 14 on page 2 is intended to limit the

availability of revenues deriverd as interest for finacial assistance to revenues

attributable to the Kennewick division power facilities (Chandler powerplant)

and insure that revenues derived from the interest component of power rates of

the McNary Dam project, which the bill contemplates as the source of supplementary financial assistance for the extension shall not be available for financial

assistance to the extension. As we have indicated above, the source of supplementary financial assistance should be changed from the McNary Dam to the

entire Federal Columbia River power system. To retain the availability as

financial assistance of a part of the interest revenues from the Chandler powerplant—from which the Bonneville Power Administration markets the power—

but limit the availability of interest revenues for that purpose to the Chandler

powerplant, the proviso should be changed to read as follows: "Provided, That

section 5 of this Act shall apply only to revenues derived from the interest component of power rates of the Kennewick division, Yakima project."

A statement of personnel and other requirements that enactment of this legislation would entail is enclosed in accordance with the provisions of Public Law

801, 84th Congress.

The Bureau of the Budget has advised that there is no objection to the presentation of this report from the standpoint of the administration's program.

Sincerely yours,

KENNETH HOLUM,

Assistant Secretary of the Interior.

Estimated additional personnel and funds for construction (in compliance with

Public Law 801, 84th Cong.) 1

Executive direction:

Administrative services and support,

clerical and stenographic 

Substantive (program), engineering

aids and technicians 

Total positions 

Total estimated additional man-years 3

Expenditure for additional man-years 3

Total estimated man-years of civilian employment 

Total estimated expenditures:

Project personal services 

All other 

Total estimated expenditures 

1st year 2d year 3d year 4th year 5th year

(2) 2 2 2 1

2 2 2 

4 4 4 1

4 4 3.1 0.4

$19, 100 $19, 100 $14, 803 $1, 910

19.0 25.4 20.0 1.0

$132,523 $180,613 $146,131 $8,282

506,477 2, 379, 387 976,869 1, 718

$80, 000 639,000 2, 560,000 1, 123,000 10,000

1 salary levels are those which became effective Jan. 5, 1964.

2 1st year activity will use general investigations personnel and details from other offices.

3 Data shown for additional man-years, and expenditures for additional man-years are estimated for recruitment outside the Bureau within the regional area. Regional experiences indicates that such recruitment is only necessary for the low-grade engineering and clerical positions (GS-3 and GS-4). The

region does not have available experience records on the net effect to recruitment requirements from outside

the Bureau which may result from the transfer of career personnel between regions to fill key positions.

Senator JACKSON. I introduced S. 2630 with Senator Magnuson,

to provide adequate water supply for the irrigation of 6,300 acres of

land adjoining the present Kennewick division of the Yakima project.

These acres lie between Richland and Benton City in Benton County,

Wash.

Only a small portion of the acreage is suitable for dryfarming, but

with adequate water supply it would produce valuable specialty

crops and fruits, as well as general row crops.

We will hear detailed testimony this morning from representatives

of the Bureau of Reclamation and. the National Reclamation Association. This project has an extremely high benefit cost ratio in excess
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 5

of 4 to 1. I am satisfied that it is an excellent project, and I am happy

to have the opportunity to conduct this hearing today.

We have with us as our first witness, Mr. Norman Moore, the Assistant Regional Director for Reclamation at Boise, Idaho.

Mr. Moore, we are pleased to have you here this morning and will

appreciate it if you wish to make an opening statement.

STATEMENT OF J. KARL LEE, ASSISTANT CHIEF, DIVISION OF

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C.; ACCOMPANIED BY

NORMAN MOORE, ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF

RECLAMATION AT BOISE, IDAHO

Mr. MOORE. Senator J ackson, I am pleased to be here today.

I wonder if I may defer making the opening statement to Mr. Karl

Lee the Assistant Chief of the Project Development Division here

in -Washington, D.C.?

Senator JACKSON. All right, certainly. I called you in reverse order.

I am sorry.

Mr. Lee, you may go ahead.

Mr. LEE. Mr. Chairman, we are glad to be here this morning to

present testimony on the extension of the Kennewick division of the

Yakima project.

I have a short statement prepared but, if you would prefer, I would

be glad to brief it.

Senator JACKSON. It will be included in full in the record at this

point, Mr. Lee and we will now be happy to have you give the high

points of the statement and then provide such further information as

may be necessary.

(The prepared statement follows:)

PREPARED STATEMENT OF KARL LEE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PROJECT

DEVELOPMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C., FOR THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

Mr. Chairman, we are pleased to have the opportunity to appear before this committee to recommend the enactment of S. 2630. This bill would amend the

act of June 12, 1948, in order to provide for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Kennewick division extension, Yakima project, Washington. Our feasibility report on the extension, and the Department's report on S. 2630 have recently been sent to the committee. As explained in the legislative report,

we recommend certain amendments to the bill which will conform it to administration policy with regard to financial assistance to irrigation from Bonne- ville Power Administration revenues.

The Kennewick division extension is designed to provide an adequate water supply for the irrigation of 6,300 acres of land which lie between Richland and

Benton City in Benton County, southern Washington. Of the six operating di- visions of the Yakima project, the Kennewick division is the most recently

constructed, having been authorized by Public Law 629, 80th Congress (act of

June 12, 1948). The Secretary of the Interior was authorized by that law to

construct extra capacity in the main canal for the future irrigation of approximately 7,000 acres of land. The Kennewick division extension would fully nitlize the extra capacity. Major new facilities would be a third pump at Chandler Pumping Plant, the mile-long Kiona siphon, six small relift pumping plants, 24 miles of canals and conduits, a lateral distribution system, and drainage facilities.

Nearly all of the lands within the extension are presently dry, supporting only

sagebrush and native grasses used for livestock grazing. Almost all lands suitable for dry-farmed wheat production (about 100 acres in the extension area)

are presently being utilized, and the possibility of further expansion is indeed

limited.

The Kennewick Extension is basically an irrigation development. Of the total

irrigable acreage, 6,100 acres are in the Kennewick Irrigation District. It Is

31-893--64---2
6 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

estimated that about 70 percent of the extension acreage would most likely be

devoted to feed and general row crops. Specialty crops now being grown on adjoining areas, which are most likely to be grown in the extension area, are mint

and asparagus; fruits most likely to be grown are grapes, sweet cherries, prunes,

peaches, and apricots.

The average annual diversion requirement for the extension would be 31,500

acre-feet and would consist primarily of return flows from irrigated lands upstream, supplemented by natural flows of the Yakima River. In 1931 our Bureau

obtained a permit from the State of Washington for the Kennewick Irrigation

District to divert up to 1,600 cubic feet per second for irrigation and power purposes. This permit fully covers the diversions to the extension lands.

The total project construction cost of the extension, based on April 1963 prices,

is estimated to be $5,250,400.

The construction costs are allocated $5,115,500 to irrigation and $134,900 to fish

and wildlife. Annual operating costs are allocated $47,130 to irrigation and

$1,240 to fish and wildlife.

Costs allocated to irrigation are reimbursable without interest. In accordance

with current policies and procedures, the costs allocated to fish and wildlife are

nonreimbursable.

Annual irrigation benefits total $890,900 and include direct benefits of $386,300

and indirect and public benefits of $504,600. Annual fish and wildlife benefits

amount to $5,500 and are based on the beneficial effects which irrigation of the

extension lands would have on upland game and birds.

The annual equivalent cost of the proposed development amounts to $210,600.

This includes an annual equivalent of $162,200 for the net Federal investment of

$5,311,000 and annual operating costs of $48,400.

The ratio of benefits to costs is 4.3 to 1.

It is proposed that the same general repayment provisions authorized for the

Kennewick division be applied to the extension. Because the extension lands

are presently undeveloped, a 10-year development period is recommended. Present repayment provisions require that all of the Kennewick division's reimbursable irrigation costs be repaid within 66 years following delivery of water.

Therefore, construction payments by extension water users would be made over

a 56-year period after the initial 10-year development period.

Water users could pay $88,420 annually for irrigation service, or $14.03 per

acre. These revenues, during the 56-year repayment period, would meet all

annual operating costs and, in addition, would repay $1,914,640, or about 37

percent of the capital costs allocated to irrigation. Financial assistance in the

amount of $3,200,860 would be needed to complete repayment of the irrigation

allocation.

Net power revenues from the Chandler powerplant, which is a unit of the

Federal Columbia River power system, will repay all the Kennewick division

interest-free irrigation costs assigned to power by fiscal year 2022. After that

date, revenues from this plant will continue to accrue to the system. The costs

of the Kennewick division extension allocated to irrigation which are beyond

the irrigation water users' ability to repay by fiscal year 2032 would be paid

from power revenues derived by the Secretary of the Interior from the disposition of power from the Federal Columbia River power system marketed by the

Bonneville Power Administration.

Our feasibility report on this development proposed that the financial assistance required beyond the Yakima project revenues be derived from revenues

of the McNary Dam project. This was an appropriate provision under the repayment and accounting procedures then in use for the Federal Columbia River

power system. The bill, S. 2630, is consistent with that policy. Under current

procedures, however, costs of all units are consolidated, to be repaid by pooled

revenues of the system, thereby bringing the accounting for the Federal Columbia River power system generally into conformance with that used in the Central

Valley project, the Missouri River Basin project, and most private power companies. The amendments proposed in the Department's report on the bill are

designed to make this proposal consistent with the current repayment policies,

and we strongly recommend adoption of those amendments.

There is strong support for the plan of development, both from officials and

representatives of the State of Washington and from local interests in the

extension area. We recommend favorable consideration of the Kennewick division extension and early action toward enactment of the authorizing legislation.
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 7

Mr. LEE. Mr. Chairman, we are pleased to have the opportunity to

appear before this committee to recommend the enactment of S. 2630. This bill would amend the act of June 12, 1948, in order to provide for the construction operation, and maintenance of the Kennewick

division extension, Yakima project, Washington. Our feasibility report on the extension, and the Department's report on S. 2630 have

recently been sent to the committee. As explained in the legislative

report, we recommend certain amendments to the bill which will conform it to administration policy with regard to financial assistance to irrigation from Bonneville Power Administration revenues.

The Kennewick division extension is designed to provide an adequate water supply for the irrigation of 6,300 acres of land which lie between Richland and Benton City in Benton County, southern Wash- ington. Of the six operating divisions of the Yakima project, the Kennewick division is the most recently constructed, having been authorized by Public Law 629, 80th Congress (act of June 12, 1948).

The Secretary of the Interior was authorized by that law to construct

extra capacity in the main canal for the future irrigation of approximately 7,000 acres of land. The Kennewick division extension would

fully utilize the extra capacity. Major new facilities would be a

third pump at Chandler pumping plant, the mile-long Kiona siphon, six small relift pumping plants 24 miles of canals and conduits, a

lateral distribution system, and drainage facilities.

Nearly all of the lands within the extension are presently dry, sup- porting only sagebrush and native grasses used for livestock grazing.

Almost all lands suitable for dry-farmed wheat production (about

100 acres in the extension area) are presently being utilized, and the possibility of further expansion is indeed limited.

The Kennewick extension is basically an irrigation development.

Of the total irrigable acreage, 6,100 acres are in the Kennewick Ir- rigation District. It is estimated that about 70 percent of the exten- sion acreage would most likely be devoted to feed and general row

crops. Specialty crops now being grown on adjoining areas, which

are most likely to be grown in the extension area, are mint and asparagus ; fruits most likely to be grown are grapes, sweet cherries, prunes, peaches, and apricots.

The average annual diversion requirement for the extension would be 31,500 acre-feet and would consist primarily of return flows from irrigated lands upstream, supplemented by natural flows of the Yak- ima River. In 1931 our Bureau obtained a permit from the State of Washington for the Kennewick Irrigation District to divert up to

1,600 cubic feet per second for irrigation and power purposes. This permit fully covers the diversions to the extension lands.

The total project construction cost of the extension, based on April

1963 prices, is estimated to be $5,250,400.

The construction costs are allocated $5,115,500 to irrigation and $134,900 to fish and wildlife. Annual operating costs are allocated

$47,130 to irrigation and $1,240 to fish and wildlife.

Costs allocated to irrigation are reimbursable without interest. In

accordance with current policies and procedures, the costs allocated to fish and wildlife are nonreimbursable.

Annual irrigation benefits total $890,900 and include direct benefits

of $386,300 and indirect and public benefits of $504,600. Annual fish
8 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

and wildlife benefits amount to $5,500 and are based on the beneficial

effects which irrigation of the extension lands would have an upland

game and birds.

The annual equivalent cost of the proposed development amounts to

$210,600. This includes an annual equivalent of $162,000 for the net

Federal investment of $5,311,000 and annual operating costs of

$48,400.

The ratio of benefits to costs is 4.3 to 1.

It is proposed that the same general repayment provisions authorized

for the Kennewick division be applied to the extension. Because the

extension lands are presently undeveloped, a 10-year development

period is recommended. Present repayment provisions require that

all of the Kennewick division's reimbursable irrigation costs be repaid

within 66 years following delivery of water. Therefore, construction

payments by extension water users would be made over a 56-year

period after the initial 10-year development period.

Water users could pay $88,420 annually for irrigation service, or

$14.03 per acre. These revenues, during the 56-year repayment period,

would meet all annual operating costs and, in addition, would repay

$1,914,640, or about 37 percent of the capital costs allocated to irrigation. Financial assistance in the amount of $3,200,860 would be needed

to complete repayment of the irrigation allocation.

Net power revenues from the Chandler powerplant, which is a unit

of the Federal Columbia River power system, will repay all of the

Kennewick division interest-free irrigation costs assigned to power

by fiscal year 2022. After that date, revenues from this plant will

continue to accrue to the system. The costs of the Kennewick division

extension allocated to irrigation which are beyond the irrigation water

users' ability to repay by fiscal year 2032 would be paid from power

revenues derived by the Secretary of the Interior from the disposition

of power from the Federal Columbia River power system marketed

by the Bonneville Power Administration.

Our feasibility report on this development proposed that the financial assistance required beyond the Yakima project revenues be derived

from revenues of the McNary Dam project. This was an appropriate

provision under the repayment and accounting procedures then in use

for the Federal Columbia River power system. The bill, S. 2630, is

consistent with that policy. Under current procedures, however, costs

of all units are consolidated, to be repaid by pooled revenues of the

system, thereby bringing the accounting for the Federal Columbia

River power system generally into conformance with that used in the

Central Valley project, the Missouri River Basin project, and most

private power companies. The amendments proposed in the Department's report on the bill are designed to make this proposal consistent

with the current repayment policies, and we strongly recommend adoption of those amendments.

There is strong support for the plan of development, both from officials and representatives of the State of Washington and from local

interests in the extension area. We recommend favorable consideration of the Kennewick division extension and early action toward enactment of the authorizing legislation.

The Kennewick extension is an excellent project. I worked on it a

good deal myself before I came to Washington 5 years ago. I first saw
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 9

the project in 1945. The lands that remain to be developed on the

Kennewick division are actually better lands than those that were

originally included in the authorization in 1948.

The Kennewick extension includes 6,300 acres. It was anticipated

that this project would subsequently be developed when the original

Kennewick division was authorized in 1948, and the Congress provided

authority at that time to build extra capacities into the canal system

that would ultimately be required to serve this area.

The cost of the extra capacity was deferred in anticipation that subsequently the Extension would be developed. There is now existing in

that system $341,000 of cost for extra capacity, and also extra capacity in the storage division. The cost of this amounts to $189,000.

The total estimated cost of the Kennewick extension, as indicated in our report, is $5,250,000. This cost, however, was developed in January of 1962. The comparable cost in January of 1964 is $5,503,000.

These costs include the cost of extra capacity that I have previously

referred to and the cost of the reservoir storage which was properly

allocable to the extension.

The ratio of benefits to cost, based upon 100-year period of analysis

at an interest rate of 2/78 percent, is 4.3. If we calculate the ratio based

upon the current costs and an interest rate of 3 percent, the ratio is 3.9

percent.

The water users on this program would make annual payments of

$14.03 per acre. This payment would vary by land class, but it would

average that amount.

Senator JACKSON. HOW much per acre?

Mr. LEE. $14.03. Now, of this amount, $8.62 would be required

for project operation and maintenance. This would leave a balance

of $5.41. The $5.41 over the recommended repayment period of 56

years would produce $304 per acre. This would leave a balance of $508 per acre to be repaid from power revenues.

I should point out in connection with the 56-year repayment that this is an odd figure. The original authorization of the Kennewick

division provided for a repayment period of 66 years, including a

10-year development period. It also provided for financial assistance from the power revenues to be derived from the Yakima project.

In order to be consistent with the 66 years, we have recommended

in this project that the repayment period be 56 years plus the 10-year development period, so there would be consistency between the orig- inal division and the extension in this way.

Senator JACKSON. What about the Yakima project as a whole?

Mr. LEE. Well, the Yakima project as a whole includes seven divisions, including a storage division. The Wapato division is under

the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Tieton and Sunnyside divisions, which were built prior to

1910, have repaid their entire original construction obligations and

except for some minor rehabilitation and betterment contracts are

now free of debt to the United States. Contract payments on the

Kittitas division began in 1938 and the water users are current in

their payments. Contract payments on the Roza, division began in

1948 and are also current. Differing repayment periods and numerous

adjustments and additional facilities and new contracts make it
10 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

difficult to generalize on the present status. The water users' performance under the various contracts has been very satisfactory.

We have now recommended that the repayment period on the Kennewick extension be 56 years in order to be consistent with the balance

of the Kennewick division previously authorized.

We have also recommended that the financial assistance come from

the revenues of the Bonneville Power Administration rather than the

McNary Dam alone.

Senator JORDAN. Basin account?

Mr. LEE. Yes, this is in keeping with the change in the powermarketing policy of the Bonneville Power Administration which it

adopted a year ago and in which it expects to pool costs for purposes

of payout.

There are no acreage limitation problems involved in this project.

All of the units except one are under 320 acres. There is one unit

between 160 and 320 acres. Some lands are owned by the irrigation

districts and some lands are owned by the Federal Government. The

lands are all now—except 100 acres—the lands are all in sagebrush

and grass, natural grass. It is used in entirety for grazing, except

the 100 acres.

The 100 acres is dry forage. So, obviously, there are no lands in

the soil bank, and nothing of that type is involved.

Now, as far as the cropping pattern is concerned, if this project,

were authorized and constructed, the lands would be used for the production of crops similar to those now grown on the existing Kennewick division, and these are primarily soft fruits, including peaches,

cherries, apricots, and plums. There are also specialty crops including mint and asparagus, grown on this project.

In addition to these, there would be some production of forage

crops for livestock farming. But the Kennewick division is a specialty

area. It has a long growing season, hot summers, and is ideally suited

for the production of soft fruits.

So, considering everything, the type of production we would expect,

the type of land, the fact that this would be an addition to an existing project, the lands are now included within the existing irrigation

district, and it would broaden the base of operation of the existing

irrigation district. We consider this a very good little project and

we recommend its addition to the Kennewick division.

Senator JACKSON. How many acres are in the present Kennewick

division?

Mr. LEE. There are about 19,000 acres in the present Kennewick

division. Of this acreage, about 6,000 acres were originally referred

to as the Kennewick Highlands. The balance of 13,000 acres weri.

added as a result of the authorization in 1948.

Senator JACKSON. SO the total of 19,000—

Mr. LEE. Nineteen plus 6,000.

Senator JACKSON. This would be a total of 25,000 acres?

Mr. LEE. Yes, sir.

Senator JACKSON. Senator Jordan?

Senator JORDAN. Is the remainder of the project in pretty good

shape financially? Are they meeting their payout schedule?

Mr. LEE. Well, actually, construction was completed in 1957 and

the development period was 10 years so they haven't started repayment.
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 11

Senator JORDAN. It is a good area. I know it.

Senator JACKSON. Yes; it is an excellent one. I think the farmers

on the existing part of the Kennewick division have been doing very

well. This is the information I have.

Mr. LEE. Well, I have seen many projects, potential projects in the

Pacific Northwest, and there are three or four that I would particularly like to have a farm on, and this is one of them.

Mr. MOORE. I might say this, Senator, in answer to your question

concerning repayment, the supplemental land, the Kennewick Highland area which has been irrigated for a long period of years and is

attached to the Kennewick division, has been repaying, and they are

right up to date in their payments.

Senator JACKSON. They are getting supplemental water?

Mr. MOORE. Yes, sir.

Senator JACKSON. I think the first unit of the project was completed

back in about, 1952,1953 was it not?

Mr. LEE. No, Kennewick Highland is an old development.

Mr. lVfooRE. Yes, sir • early 1950's.

Senator JORDAN. I do not have anything further.

Senator JACKSON. Does that complete your statement?

Mr. LEE. That completes my statement, Mr. Chairman: If there

are any other questions we will be happy to respond.

Senator JACKSON. Mr. Moore did you have any comments?

Mr. MOORE. No, sir I think Mr. Lee covered it pretty well.

I had a meeting just the other day with the Kennewick Irrigation

District Board, where we discussed the whole project. They are convinced that this is a good addition to their irrigation district and they

were going to pass a resolution and send it to you saying so.

I don't know whether it has arrived here yet or not.

Senator JACKSON. Yes, sir we have a number of communications

which we will give to the reporter to be included in the record at the

end of the oral testimony.

Thank you, gentlemen. You may stay at the table.

We are very pleased to have Mr. William Welsh here from the National Reclamation Association.

Would you care to make a statement?

STATEMENT OF WILLIAM E. WELSH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

NATIONAL RECLAMATION ASSOCIATION, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Mr. WELSH. Mr. Chairman, I have a statement supporting the

project on behalf of the association. Also a resolution which I will

submit for the record.

Senator JACKSON. You may read or submit your statement.

Mr. WELSH. My name is William E. Welsh. I am executive director of the National Reclamation Association. I appreciate the opportunity of appearing before this committee to submit a statement in.

support of the Kennewick division extension, Yakima project. Sponsors of the project, including Lorin W. Markham, the Washington

State director of our association, Mr. Gale L. Sterling, secretarymanager of the Kittitas Reclamation District at Ellensburg, and Mr.

Marshall T. Shaw, secretary of the Kennewick Extension Land Owners Committee, have each requested that I support the project on behalf of the National Reclamation Association.
12 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

The National Reclamation Association over a long period of years

has supported such projects as this and I am indeed happy to support

this project on behalf of the association. As an indication of our attitude with respect to such projects as this, I am attaching to m37

statement Resolution No. 14, entitled "Authorization and Appropriations for Continued Reclamation Programs," which was adopted at

the last meeting of our association held in Sun Valley, Idaho, in

October 1963.

The proposed Kennewick extension division has been designed to

provide irrigation water supply for 6,300 acres of land which lie between Benton City and Richland in Benton County, in the southern

part of the State of Washington.

It is my understanding that the main canal of the Kennewick

division was constructed with extra capacity, having in mind at the

time the extension as proposed by this legislation. The proposed extension would fully utilize the extra capacity. The principal new

facilities which would be authorized by this legislation would include

a pump at Chandler pumping plant, a mile-long Kiona siphon and

six small relift pumping plants, as well as 24 miles of canals and conduits and a distribution system including laterals and drainage

facilities.

Most of the lands to be irrigated by the Kennewick extension are

within the boundaries of the presenty organized Kennewick Irrigation

District. A major portion of the land to be irrigated, it is estimated,

will be used for the growing of feed crops and what are referred to

in that area as row crops, or truck farming. Specialty crops which

are grown in that area generally include mint, asparagus

'

a variety

of fruits including sweet cherries, prunes, peaches, apricots, and some

grapes. There is strong support for the project by people living

within the area and we have heard of no opposition to the project.

I, therefore, appreciate the opportunity of appearing before this

committee in support of the Kennewick division extension. I also

wish to express my appreciation to the members of this committee for

the splendid support which they have given to reclamation over the

years.

(The resolution of the National Reclamation Association follows:)

RESOLUTION No. 14

AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTINUED RECLAMATION PROGRAMS

Whereas water is the lifeblood of municipal, agricultural, and industrial

existence; and the continuous conservation, development, and utilization of the

water resources of the States are necessary to the growth of the Nation; and

Whereas remaining undeveloped water supplies are limited in amount, erratic

in availability, and often located long distances from places of use and usually

require major storage for control; and

Whereas the reclamation States provide expanding markets for the Nation's

goods and are absorbing a large share of the increase in population in the United

States because of the location of needed and newly discovered raw materials in

the area and the ever-present necessity for the decentralization of industry in

the interest of national defense; and

Whereas the Federal Government, since its inception, has recognized its

responsibility to encourage the economic development of the Nation, one area of

modern activity being found in the Reclamation Act of 1902, and subsequent

legislation relating to the development and construction of major multipurpose

water use projects; and
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 13

Whereas such improvements and water use projects must be carried forward

in keeping with increasing national needs and on a feasible local and national

economic basis; and

Whereas the development of basinwide projects for the full use of a water

resource is a difficult, complicated, and time-consuming process often involving

decades of effort; and

Whereas the magnitude and necessity for multiple-use, basinwide develop.

ments within the framework and limitations prescribed by interstate compacts

and State laws require joint action by the States involved and the support of

all reclamation States; and

Whereas greater public understanding and appreciation of local, regional, and

national benefits of the entire reclamation program are necessary: Now, therefore, he it

Resolved, That—

(1) The National Reclamation Association vigorously reaffirms its support

of the basic principles of reclamation which have been firmly established as a

national policy for more than 50 years, and which, among other things, provide

for:

(a) The principle of an integrated multiple-use development of our water resources under repayment terms consistent with sound business principles and

encouragement of individual initiative and responsibility.

( b) The inherent right and obligation of the people of the reclamation States

with or without the assistance of the Federal Government to develop fully their

water and power resources in accordance with applicable interstate compacts

and the water laws of the respective States.

(2) The National Reclamation Association urges all States to support comprehensive reclamation development of water resources in order that development

may be fully integrated for the benefit of the national and local economies.

(3) The officers of the National Reclamation Association conduct a. public

information program that will more clearly inform the public of the great part

reclamation and water-resource development contributes to the economy and

to the overall strength and needs of our Nation, and emphasize in such program

that an expanded, aggressive reclamation program will assure a dependable

year-in and year-out supply of nonsurpluS food and fiber, and that such a program will provide in the rapidly growing reclamation States an expanding

market for the Nation's industry.

(4) The officers of the National Reclamation Association bring to the.attention of the President and the Congress the ever-present need for authorization

of new projects justifiable under the law which will develop, control, conserve,

and utilize the water resources of the Nation to keep pace with its expanding

population and improving standards of living.

Senator JACKSON. Do you have anything further that you wish to

add?

Mr. WELSH. I don't believe it is necessary, Mr. Chairman.

Senator JACKSON. Very well.

Mr. WELSH. Unless there are questions, I don't have anything.

Senator JACKSON. No. Thank you, Mr. Welsh.

Mr. WELSH. Thank you.

Senator JACKSON. At this point we will insert the communications

received regarding this bill which were mentioned previously. We

have a statement from Governor Rosellini, and several letters from

chambers of commerce and water districts and various people vitally

concerned in this legislation. They will all be printed at this point

and the record will be held open for 10 days for any further pertinent

communications.
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

(The statement and communications are as follows:)

STATEMENT BY HON. ALBERT D. ROSELLINI, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF

WASHINGTON

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to submit this statement in support of S. 2630, legislation to authorize construction of the Kennewick extension

project.

This project will bring a dependable water supply to some 6,300 acres of lauds

previously deferred in the Kennewick division of the Yakima project.

This area involves some of the most productive acreage in the State of Washington for soft fruit crops, as well as feed and row crops. Under irrigation,

dairying, and livestock raising are expected also to contribute substantially to

the area, providing a market for feed grains grown nearby.

the soundness of the extension project is demonstrated by its 3.56 to 1

benefit-to-cost ratio, and the resulting 3.93 to 1 ration when it is combined with

the existing Kennewick project.

Support for the extension project is widespread and comes from such community groups and individuals as the Chambers of Commerce of Kennewick,

Prosser, and Benton City; the Kennewick City Council, and State Senator Mike

McCormack and State Representative Dan Jolly, of the 16th legislative district.

It is my hope that the committee will take favorable action on S. 2630.

Thank you very much.

KENNEWICK IRRIGATION DISTRICT,

Kennewick, Wash., April 8, 1964.

senator HENRY M. JACKSON,

Senate Office Building,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR JACKSON: We very much appreciate the help you have given

the district by introducing legislation to authorize the Kennewick division extension.

The board of directors met with Bureau of Reclamation personnel on March

31, 1964. At this time we were told that there was an adequate supply of water

for the extended area.

Based on the information received from the Bureau. of Reclamation at the

meeting, the board considered the matter at its official regular meeting on April

7, 1964, and passed the encloced resolution.

It is our understanding that Mr. Norman Moore, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation,

region I, Boise, Idaho, will testify at the hearings to be held on Monday, April

13.

Sincerely yours,

ROSADELL HOPPE, Secretary.

[Enclosure]

RESOLUTION No. 64-10 OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE KENNEWICK IRRIGATION

DISTRICT

Whereas the general plan of irrigation development contemplated in the

organization of the Kennewick Irrigation District is one that involved, among

other things, the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement and

extension of works for the reclamation of lands within the district, and the

operation and maintenance of all such works;

Whereas the general plan of development of the Kennewick division extension

determined by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, is the result of extensive and

thorough investigation by that Bureau with respect to the available water supply,

the character of the soil and its suitability to irrigation, the requisite works for

supplying and distributing water and other problems bearing on the feasibility

of the project, and, taking these investigations into account, this general plan

has been found to be feasible by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau having recommended amendment of act of June 12, 1948 (62 Stat. 382) to accomplish

this work: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the board of directors of Kennewick Irrigation District is in

favor of construction of the Kennewick division extension, under the provisions

of applicable Federal and State laws; and it is further
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 15

Resolved, That the secretary be directed to forwarded copies of this resolution

to Hon. Catherine May and Senator Henry M. Jackson.

Passed by the board of directors of Kennewick Irrigation District this 7th day

.of April, 1964.

MOORE & MELLOR AGENCY.

Prosser, Wash., April 6, 1964.

Hon. HENRY JACKSON,

U.S. Senate, Washington., D.C.

DEAR SENATOR JACKSON: On behalf of the Kennewick Irrigation District extension committee I wish to thank you very much for your efforts and support in

working for the end result of getting this portion of the Kennewick Irrigation

District's remaining acres under water. I was very happy to hear that you

would introduce Senate bill S. 2630 and it will be in the hands of your committee

on April 13, 1964.

I have asked the chamber of commerces in this area and Benton County commissioners to write a letter supporting the passage of this bill so that you may

have this information at your disposal.

If there is anything else that might be done by our landowners committee

kindly let me know.

Sincerely yours,

ROSS MELLOR,

Chairman, KID Landowner Committee.

P.S.—Enclosed please find copy of the minutes of the last meeting.

RESULTS OF MEETING HELD MARCH 31, 1964, 1:30 P.M., KID OFFICE KENNEWICK,

BY REPRESENTATIVES OF BUREAU OF RECLAMATION AND THE KID BOARD MEMBEES AND THE KID EXTENSION COMMFrIJSE

Those present were: Bureau of Reclamation: Norman Moore, Hafterson,

Hewitt, and C. R. Lentz; KID directors: Frank Lampson, Robert Tweet, Robert

Marsh; KID officers: Cal Leibel, Rosadell Hoppe; KID extension committee:

Ross Mellor, John Baldwin, Marshall Shaw.

Mr. Moore presided and led off with a presentation of the water supply

situation as available to the KID including the extension. Slides were shown

dating back to 1927 and up to date. These statistics showed that about every

fourth year minor shortages for a few days occurred or would have occurred.

In no case were these shortages serious or unexpected. In fact the Bureau of

Reclamation stated that "During dry years the supply for the Kennewick division would be superior to that of many Federal reclamation projects in the

Pacific Northwest." Also they stated: "The review of the water supply for the

Kennewick division indicates that such water supply would be better than for

most of the other existing divisions of the Yakima project." These quotes are

from Mr. H. T. Nelson's letter dated March 16, 1964, to the Secretary of the

'extension landowner's committee, and were repeated in substance by Mr. Moore

In his discussion.

Mr. Moore also explained that information on any proposed project is continually being updated. For this reason it was considered advisable to investigate and study possible problems mentioned at a meeting in Boise held Jan. 22,

1964. These problems concerned the sufficiency of the water supply to the

KID existing district and if it would be endangered if the extension lands were

added.

The KID directors present expressed their thoughts that it was difficult to

convince the present water users that a sufficient supply of water was available

and for this reason these farmers would probably vote against the project to

protect themselves.

It was then brought out that the extension area had water rights equal with

the cxisting district and that a rejection by the present water users would only

lead to the extension area establishing their own district and demanding their

own water at Kiona. This would not be good for either group as they both

need each other for the most economic operation of the management, office, and

general overhead.

The KID directors retired from the room for private discussion and returned

shortly with a statement to this effect:

"In view of the assurance given by the Bureau of Reclamation as to the

'sufficiency of the irrigation water supply for the Kennewick Irrigation District
16 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

including the extension, the KID directors contemplate a resolution at their

next meeting (to be held on April 7, 1964) approving the development of the

extension land as already planned, to become a part of the present operating

unit"

(This statement was read to the KID directors and received their unanimous

approval.)

It therefore now appears that all parties are in harmony and the Bureau of

Reclamation is now in a position to make whatever statements are necessary to

that effect in connection with congressional action on this matter now pending

under Senate bill S. 2630 and House bill H.R. 10474.

MARSHALL T SHAW,

Secretary for KID Extension Landowner's Committee.

GRANDVIEW, WASH., April 8, 1964.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR AND INS1TLAR AFFAIRS,

Senate Building,

Washington, D.C.

HONORABLE SIRS: As secretary for the Kennewick Irrigation District Extension Land Owners Committee, I feel it my duty and privilege to write you in

connection with S. 2630 and H.R. 10474 which are now being considered. After

reading and rereading the Kennewick Division Extension report, as revised by

the Bureau of Reclamation in June 1962, I find it difficult to add anything of

material value to such an excellent and complete exposition. To the extension

landowners this report is a seemingly endless source of reliable information

regarding a subject which is very close and important to each and everyone of

us.

It is of interest to know that Congress originally approved the Yakima

project on December 12, 1905, at which time the land to be irrigated was estimated at one-half million acres. At the present time the irrigated acreage in

the Yakima project is 474,000 and our extension, which will complete the original project as planned, will add 6,300 acres to this total. The Yakima River

has really proved to be a billion dollar stream and our people and farsighted

leaders of the past are to be commended for so transforming desolation into a

land of wealth.

The 6,300 irrigable acres of extension land consists of above average soil and

topography conditions. In addition, land in the Tr -City area has a climatic

advantage over all other land in the Northwest because of a longer frost-free

growing season. It is known locally as the Banana Belt and does produce

abundant crops at earlier dates than other localities near this area. Early

crops usually bring premium prices and for this reason any possibility of not

being able to pay off the construction charges are practically nil.

The main Kennewick Irrigation District, with some 19,000 acres. has been

operating since 1957. The original plans included our extension area of 6,300'

acres to be added at a later date. In fact the power canal. Chandler plant,

and 6.7 miles of the main canal all provide excess capacity to serve the

extension lands. One reason the project should be completed is to make use

of this idle capacity and investment of Federal funds. Approximately 70 landowners in the extension area have faithfully hoped for many years that their

land would soon be developed. We believe that the time is now here and trust

that we may have your approval and support.

Our Benton County commissioners and local city chambers of commerce.

believe that our county badly needs the economy that will be provided by

this development. This is especially true now that some curtailment in the

Hanford works is contemplated. It will add property taxes. and also provide

some 200 man-years of work annually, which in turn will help supply ourNation with desirable and necessary items not in surplus, such as mint, asparagus. grapes, cherries, prunes, peaches, apricots, beans, sugarbeets. potatoes,

alfalfa. barley, and many other things. The payroll alone, involved with farming 6,300 acres, we believe would increase Federal income taxes at least by

$10 per acre per year or $63.000 annually and probably considerable more. It

Is interesting to note that this added annual income tax paid to the Federal'

Government is approximately twice the amount of the annual construction repayment based on $5.45 per acre, amounting to $34.000.
KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 17

Serving on our landowner's committee has been a great pleasure and an education to me. Our Senators and Representatives in Congress and the Bureau

of Reclamation personnel all have been extremely thoughful and cooperative.

We submit to your good judgment and hope you will find it proper to proceed

with our project so that we can anticipate having irrigation water by at least

1969.

Very truly yours,

MARSHALL T. SHAW,

Secretary for Kennewick Irrigation District

Extension Landowners Committee.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, BENTON COUNTY,

Prosser, Wash., April 6, 1964.

Senator HENRY M. JACKSON,

Senate Office Building,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR: We respectfully request your support of Senate bill 2630. We

understand the hearing is slated for April 13, 1964.

Very truly yours,

Was P. BROWN, Chairman.

GRANDVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.,

Grandview, Wash., March 9, 1964.

Hon. HENRY M. JACKSON,

Washington State Senator,

Senate Ortbe 'Building, Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR JACKSON: On April 7, 1964, the Grandview Chamber of Commerce reviewed the pending legislation on the Kennewick irrigation extension

project. After discussion of this matter, it was unanimously resolved that our

chamber go on record as being in favor of the project and the opening of an additional 6,300 acres of land to irrigation. 

Wewish to advise .you of our position on this matter,. as we•teel,it is very

urgent and vital to the economy of our area. We would also request and urge

that you support this legislation.

Sincerely,

JAMES L. GREEN, Secretary.

THE PROSSER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Prosser, Wash., April 8, 1964.

HOB. HENRY M. JACKSON,

U.S. Senate,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR: The Prosser Chamber of Commerce wishes to reiterate at this

time thine fact that it has supported the,Completion of the 6,300 acres, commonly

known as the extension area of - Kennewick Irrigation District for many years.

Now: after the cumulation of efforts of many people, we wish to make known to

all persons in Congress that this area is 100 percent behind the completition of

this irrigation project.

We respectfully urge passage of Senate bill S. 2630.

Very truly yours,

Hon. HENRY M. JACKSON,

Senate Office Building,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR JACKSON: The Agribusiness Committee and the Board of Directors of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce urge your support of S. 2630,

authorizing the Kennewick irrigation extension land irrigation development involving the 6,300 acres located on either side of Highway 410 between Biona and

Kennewick.

LAUREN H. TWEEDT, Pre8i4ent,

SUNNYSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Sutviryside, Wash., April 9, 1964.
18 KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON

Although Sunnyside is a few miles from this area, we feel that benefits will be

enjoyed by all segments of the economy in the State if this development is

completed.

Yours very truly,

PAUL VAN WORMER,

Chairman, Agribusiness Committee.

SPOKANE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Spokane, Wash., April 4, 1964.

Senator HENRY M. JACKSON,

Senate Office Building,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR: As manager of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, as well

as director of the National Reclamation Association from our State, I offer any

assistance I can provide to pass the legislation that will authorize the construction of the Kennewick division extension.

Our Washington State Reclamation Association has gone on record as favoring the construction of the project. Our chamber of commerce has consistently

gone on record as favoring the completion of the Kennewick division of the

Yakima irrigation project, as well as the development of new northwest reclamation projects that are economically feasible.

I am sure that you plan on supporting the legislation when the Senate hearings

are held on April 13 I wanted you to know that you have our support ana

encouragement for the passage of the legislation.

If our chamber of commerce or I can be of assistance don't hesitate to call.

Yours sincerely.

L. W. MARKHAm,

General Manager

BALCOM & Moe, INC.,

Grandview, Wash., April 7, 1964.

Hon. HENRY JACKSON and WARREN MAGNUSON,

Senate Building, Washington, D.C.

DEAR Sins: Our company has been farming approximately 1,000 acres in the

Kennewick Irrigation District since 1957. The lease we have runs through 1966

at which time we fear that the owners will prefer to put this land into soft fruit

or some higher paying crop than potatoes.

We have considerable investment In plant and equipment at Grandview for

potato handling which is going to become idle to us unless we get some potato land

within a reasonable distance. A group of us have some land in the Kennewick

extension area and are most anxious that water will be available at an early

date so we can continue our potato operations.

It is realized that the Kennewick extension cannot be developed in time for

a 1967 crop; however, we could make some long hauls for a year or two if necessary and keep our Grandview property operating.

We built the Grandview plant in 1945 to primarily handle potato crops from

the Roza project. This Roza land proved unsuitable for potatoes after a few

years because of potato scab infection, although other crops are now doing well

there. We have had practically no trouble with scab in 7 years in the Kennewick

Irrigation District area.

We sincerely hope that Senate bill S. 2630 will have the approval of the Senate

committee and that the project will be approved by both the Senate and House

in this session.

Sincerely yours,

MAURICE C. BALCOM, President.

ERIC T. MOE, Secretary.
NM"

KENNEWICK DIVISION EXTENSION, WASHINGTON 19

SEATTLE, WASH., March 29, 1964.

HOIL HENRY JACKSON,

U.S. Senate, Washington, D.0 .

DEAR SIR: We have attended Kennewick Irrigation District meetings at Kennewick, regarding the irrigation for the 6.300 acres between Benton City and Richland. These meetings have always been well attended and they are a nice group

of property owners. Each one of us would like so very much to get water on

these properties.

We have owned our land for a number of years and we both would be so

appreciative and grateful to you for your effort in doing all you can for the

Kennewick irrigation extension project.

Thanking you for your help, we are,

Very sincerely,

ARTHUR L. PALMERTON.

MARY MARGARET PALMERTON.

MARCH 31, 1964.

DEAR MR. JACKSON: This concerns land in the Kennewick extension. We own

40 acres there and are most anxious to have water available for some. Appreciate so much that a bill has been introduced to the Senate concerning it. Thank

you so much for your interest.

We surely hope it will pass.

Sincerely,

HERBERT AND MARIE CONNER.

F. J. SEIDL,

Troutdale. Oreg., March 27, 1964.

Re Senate bill S. 2630.

Hon. MAITRINE B. NEUBERGER,

U.S. Senate,

Washington, D.C.

DEAR SENATOR NEUBERGER : It is understood that Senators Warren Magnuson

and Henry Jackson have recently introduced Senate bill S. 2630 for the 6,300-

acre extension project of the Kennewick Irrigation District in Benton County,

Wash.

It is also understood that Congresswoman Catherine May from the State of Washington has introduced a similar bill, H.R. 10474, in the House of

Representatives.

I am familiar with this extension and its objectives and believe it will help

the economy of the Northwest. It appears logical that the planned extension

of this already established district should be approved rather than a wholly

new project in any other location. I am asking for your consideration and help

to this end.

Yours very truly,

FRANK J. SEIDL.

Senator JACKSON. If there is no further business we will stand

adjourned.

( Whereupon at 9:15 a.m. the subcommittee was adjourned.)
.11 VIII Pc"

4;\

)1.

‹, •

j Iiiv

1964 15