The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1897-01-28
Reclamation of Arid Lands.

Bush of Clark has introduced an
other bill in the house, amending the
act accepting the terms of the act of
congress for the reclamation, settlement
and disposition of the 1,000,0 900 acres
of arid land granted therein, provides
for the appointment of commissioner
of irrigation by the governor, to hold
Office four years from March l, 1897,
who shall keep an office at the state
capital, to be known as "the irrigation
department" The commissioner is to
give bond for $15, 900.
"It shall be the duty of the commits
sioner of irrigation" says the bill, "to
examine or cause to be examined, such
of the arid lands within this state, be-
longing to the United States, that can
be irrigated at reasonable expense,
and collect all available information as
to the value of the lands when irrigat-
ed, and as to the water supply available
to irrigate said lands. He shall prepare
maps of such arid lands as can be thua
irrigated and plans showing the pro-
posed modes of irrigation, showing the
source and quantity of water proposed to
be used, and the size and location of tho
bitches, canals, fumes, pipelines,
reservoirs or other irrigation works to
be used for conveying or collecting tho
water upon the lands proposed to ba
irrigated, and the elevation thereof
above said lands, and shall, as construc-
ton proceeds, of any dams, bitches,
canals, fumes, reservoirs, pumping sta
tions, or any other works for the pur-
pose of irrigation, under the provision
of this act or acts of the legislature, ex-
anime and direct that all such construc-
ton work is done in a substantial man.
ner and in accordance with the approved
plans thereof"
AS soon as maps are complete, du-
plicates shall be filed with the secre-
tary of the interior, and the commits
sioner shall take all necessary steps to
procure the lands.
When funds are provided and are in
the state treasury to pay the expenses
of irrigating such lands, or when the
state has provided for the issuance of
Notwithstanding warrants or bonds
in sufficient amount to proceed with
the work, then. bids can be advertised
for construction of reservoirs, etc. Bids
are to be examined by the governor, at
torney-general and commissioner of
irrigation, and the contract awarded to
the lowest and best bidder.
Upon completion of the work the
commissioner is authorized to lease the
lands for time not to exceed ter
years, at an annual rental of not less
than 81 per acre, including water right,
but no more than 80 acres each.
Moneys received in rentals are to be de-
posted in an irrigation fund, with the
state treasurer to be used for the paw
ment of the principal debt incurred for
purpose of retaining arid lands.
The money can also be used for the
purpose of extending the system of the
state and the retaining of other lands.
The commissioner of irrigation is to
receive salary of 81, 500 per annum,
and have power to appoint chief en-
gineer, at a salary Of 1000, chief
clerk at 81 900, stenographer at 5000,
and such other assistance and help as
may be required.
The bill appropriates $18, 900 for the
purpose of starting the work and organ
izing the department.