Arizona republican., 1911-11-22
Resolutions Prepared by
Messrs. Kibbey, Fowler
and Heard Will be Pre-
sented to National Irriga-
tion Congress.
RECLAMATION ACT
MAY BE MODIFIED
Three Important Changes
are Suggested Which, it
is Believed, Would Help
All Arid Sections of the
West.

Never since the construction of the
Salt River reclamation project became
IAN assured enterprise. under laws en-
iacted largely through the influence of
the ntional irrigation congress, has this
valley had so much to hope for from
that congress. as at the session to be
held in Chicago next month"; The pro-
ject has reached that stage of develop
ment that is putting the reclamation
law To a practical test. This practical
test while demonstrating the funda
mental virtue of the reclamation law
has also shown the necessity of its
amendment. not merely for the Salt
River project but for the benefit of
Ian the projects as they shall reach 4
lsimilar stage of development. This
project is pioneering in these matters
as it has been from the beginning of
its construction.
The valley is not only sorely in need
'of some relief through legislation but
the best influence to enlist in that di-
rection is the irrigation congress. 1t
is fortunate indeed that just at this
time this valley is able To- secure the
ear Of that body through its presiding
officer. Il. \. Fowler. who happens To
be a resident of Phoenix and one of
the leading spirits in the development
of the Salt river project. 1t has been
felt by many water users in the valley
that an opportunity would be over
looked if the valley did not make a
carefully planned effort To get its
needs before the irrigation congress.
Time is passing rapidly and as the
Initiative was not taken by anybody
else. Judge Kibbev who devised the
plan Of the Water Users association,
President b A Fowler Of tlp irriga
ton congress and Dwight r. Heard
who was for many years a vice presi-
dent Of it. at the suggestion of many
water users. have given the subject
careful consideration. They have pre-
pared the following preamble ana
resolutions. which they propose to pre-
sent To the irrigation congress. as en-
bodying the substance Of the most
needed amendments to the reclamation
law. 1t is not unlikely that after the
careful study of the congress these ]
resolutions may be modified or added |
to. for the amendments must be made
applicable To all projects but with |
these resolutions in hand there are
definite ideas To be made effective i'm ,
legal enactment
Resolutions.
Having in mind the best development !
of the arid west. we believe that the /
rational irrigation act one of the most
beneficent measures ever passed by |
congress. should be amended along the
following lines:
Experience. practice and observation /
have demonstrated that ten years the 1
time prescribed by the national irriga
ton act within which repayment shall /
be made to the government of the cost
Of reclamation projects. is too short a
period for such development of lands
and communities as will render the
lands sufficiently productive To easily |
bear such burden.
That such cost apportioned over 81
short q time i'm addition to the neces-
sary outlay for the improvement of the
lands to render them sufficiently rev
epue producing together with the nee
essary cost of community institutions.
is onerous and retards prompt recla- /
nation and development.
We. therefore. recommend that the
period of time over which such pay |
ments shall extend be incr ased TO not
less than twenty-five years.
.
To insure a prompt and efficient de- |
of the lands under the vari- |
Gus government irrigation projects. =
capital is essential. In the nature of 4,
things sufficient local capital for this =
purpose is not available. Resort must
therefore be had to outside
capital.
The provision OF the national irri- !
cation act. prohibiting ownership in
excess of the units for the several pro- |
iects. in practical effect tends to en- !
barrass the borrower in his efforts to !
velopment and improvement of his
lands.
We recommend. therefore such a
of this provision that such
lands may be freely pledged to secure !
such capital
We recognize the wisdom of the
rolicy of the government to discour- /
age non resident ownership as far rs
nav be consistent with the best devel |
opment of lands under national reOla