The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1907-10-19

reservoir. TWO or these d1Str1Dutar1eS
| are canals of considerable capacity.
The one which extends from the low
er embankment will carry about 500
second feet for distance of IL wiles.
The one delivering water from the
upper embankment will have about
the same capacity. No engineering
difficulties would have to be overcome
in the construction of these main
branches, but the amount involved in
each case is quite large, SO 1t was rec
commended that this work be done by
the United States. No provision, how
| ever, is made for the same. A recon-
| mendation was also made that the
main canal, Boise river to Indian
creek, be extended by the United
States for a distance of about IL
miles, or to the westerly end of Kuna
butte. A recommendation was made
| by me in June of this year for an ad-
ditional allotment sufficient for the
consideration of these three branches.
There was not enough funds for the
purpose, however, and the amount
finally recommended by the director
for the purpose would not only be in
sufficient, but would not be available
before 1909. so it would seem that in
order to make use of the present
works at the earliest possible date 1t
will be necessary for the land owners
to do much, II not all, Of this work
themselves.
| 1t has been understood from the in
ception Of this enterprise that the
land owners would construct the dis
tributing laterals, and that such work
should be done at their own expense,
as has been done by the farmers
| throughout the Boise valley, with a
very few exceptions. But owing to
the extent of some of this work and
the great expense which would be in
Cured in some cases, have recon-
mended that all land owners who will
have to construct these distributing
laterals, or who may be obliged to
construct portions Of the main
branches be credited on their water
| right with the amount expended for
this purpose. 1t is my opinion that
this recommendation will be ap-
proved.
1t Is a fact, however, that whether
or not the recommendation that a
credit on water rights be given to
these constructing portions of the ex-
tensive lateral systems, they will have
to be constructed by the land owners,
and it is for this reason that call
your special attention to the subject
at this time. During the present sea-
son the reclamation service has made
surveys of many of the principal lat
erals with view of enabling the land
owners to construct the same when
ever they may SO desire. Water can
not be delivered to very much of this
land until such lateral systems are
constructed. so the time when such
water will be available for use on the
land will very largely depend upon
the attitude of the land owners.
Under the circumstances the order of
delivery will, OF course. have to fol-
low the completion OF these laterals.
In addition to locating and laying
out these laterel systems, the service
will prepare estimates showing the
amount of material which will have
to be handled and the probable cost
of the same. We will also ascertain
the area which will receive water
from each lateral system. and from
this will be estimated the cost per
acre. Lists will be made up showing
the owners of lands under each lat
eral system and the proportional part
of the cost of construction which viii
have to be met by each. In order to
carry out this plan, 1t will be neces-
sary for the land owners of each lat
eral district to pei feet some kind of
an organization, so that all mutual
obligations of this sort may be dis
tinctly understood. The work will be
done under the general supervision of
the reclamation service. but 1t will be
necessary that accounts In relation to
all such work be kept by the land
owners themselves, IN order that
everything may be clearly understood
by those who have to perform the la
Dor.
!, With a view to facilitating this
work and reducing the cost of the
same. the reclamation service will
furnish a portion. at least. of the
necessary equipment. which will be
} available for the use of the land
, owners at nominal cost.
, In my opinion. it will not pay to