Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1913-03-28
L0CCED.OFF LAND
LAW WILL DEVELOP
WESTS|DE GREATLY
Settlers Agency Is First to Take
Advantage of New Statute
Generally Praised.
HOW MEASURE WILL WORK.
Provisions of Bill Recommended
by Governor Lister-Improve-
ment Districts the Basis.

Active preparations to take advan-
tage of the logged-off land improve
ment bill passed by the last legislature
is being made by various interests in
terested in the development of West
ern Washington. The Southwest
Washington Settlers agency is among
the first to announce acticity along
these lines and has now under con-
sideration scheme to colonize some
200 families either in the neighbor-
hood of Chehalis or in the Gray's Har-
Dor country.
The bill is generally styled the most
constructive piece Of legislation passed
during the last session, Offering as 1t
does solution to the problem of de-
veloping the logged-over ereas which
largely compose Western Washington.
1t comes as the direct result Of the
recommendation Of Governor Lister,
though the plan he suggested has been
modified somewhat.
The operation Of the law under the
bill is simple. Upon a petition of
10 per cent Of. the voters. the COM
missioners Of any county shall by
resolution submit to the voters the
proposal Of creating an agricultural
development district"
This district can be any size, the
county commissioners being author
lied to increase or diminish as they
deem best for the county.
Commissioners serving without pay
will administer the created district.
They are elected by the voters and
serve three years. one retiring year
ly. The elections will be held the
first Saturday in each year.
The commissioners shall have the
power to acquire by purchase or con-
demnation any agricultural lands,
and any waters suitable for irrigation
purposes.
To exercise the right of eminent
domain and shall levy and collect
taxes for the payment Of damages
caused by the exercise of such right
To own, lease and control lands
and all easements necessary for the
purpose of agricultural development
To sell or lease lands controlled.
To build or improve all roads in the
district.
To raise revenue by an annual tax
upon all property within the district.
To purchase, manufacture or other
wise acquire materials and equip
ment to be used in the development
Of agricultural lands.
To give aid In the marketing of
the products of the lands.
To borrow money and issue bonds.
To create and fill such Offices as
may be necessary to carry out the
provisions of the act.
The commissioners will at once
after election make an investigation
and survey of all unimproved lands
within their districts. Lands held In
private ownership may be acquired at
a price not to exceed $25 per acre for
arid lands and SIS an acre for logged
Off lands.
Settlers can turn their land over
to the district with a preferential
right of purchase after 1t has been
improved.
Clearing and development Of the
land shall be done by contract work,
the commissioners being authorized
to do the work themselves by day
labor If they so desire.
After development the property is
to be sold to settlers on the deferred
payment plan, at rate of interest
not to exceed AZ per cent. The size
of the tracts will be limited to 40
acres, no one person being permitted