The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1915-07-15
Commissioners Grant Petition of
Land Owners to Organize
an Irrigation District
PROBABLE DATE WILL BE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th
First Steps to Secure Water for a
Vast Area of Fine Land is
Taken Without Opposition
Especial Correspondence

These are history-making days for
the Horse Heaven project. And the
history is being written in series of
progressive events that means the
coming of that country into its own.
In the days gone by the realization
of the great end has been at times
almost hopeless. There have been
times when but mere handful have
gone on with the work, and these
greatly discouraged. But these few
have persevered, and because of their
faithfulness the reward is rapidly
looming ahead for all owners of the
Horse Heaven lands, and for all resi-
dents of the country adjacent. The
action of the County Commissioners
on Monday ordering the election for
the organization of an irrigation dis
trict was but one of the many steps
in the last few weeks. Direct action
for the last few months for this coun-
try has been rapidly shaping the
course of events to this end.
On Monday, July II, the board Of
county commissioners Of Benton coun-
ty met in adjourned session to hear
the petition of the Horse Heaven peo-
pie, praying for the election to estab-
lish such district. The commissioners
heard the petition, heard the argu-
ment Of representative men, repre-
senting nearly 100 present together
with many not present. That there,
were so many present showed that
greater interest is growing for the
work. And in all the numbers at
tending, there was not one note or
sound of opinion save favoring the
district.
The details of the meeting opened
with Attorney Ralph Williamson, of
North Yakima, presenting the petit
tion, together with the proper affidav-
its from Yakima, Klickitat and Ben
ton county newspapers, showing that
proper publicity had been given. In
few words he presented concise ar
gument for the district, calling at
tention to the fact that the govern
mnt deals with districts alone, and
that new laws had been enacted maxi
ing these possibilities all the greater,
and that legislation is pending for yet
more favorable action. This new leg
islation is for the selling Of bonds at
better advantage and at a lower
rate of interest, through government
cooperation. Also the district would
place the matter within legal bounds,
in the hands of the people, and end
any wildcat schemes which might be
} attempted.
In response to an inquiry from Com
missioner j. B. Clements, Mr.. Will
. hanson stated that the water supply
, has been under close observation of
, the United States Geological survey
D for several years, and that there is
y known to be large amount of water
. for use. AS to the actual amount of
water to be had, it is not definitely
o known, and should there be some less
. than the amount desired to irrigate
the entire district, some of the poorer
U lands, and those most inaccessible
y would be thrown out. While on the
u other hand, if there was found to be
" a greater amount of water, yet more
~ land would be taken in. Also, with
u the passage Of time, ant
70 as the naturally deep soil of the
NJ project becomes saturated with water
~ constantly decreasing amount vii
W be necessary. Therefore the water
~ supply is one of evolution with th'
~ district. The immediate purpose fo
~ organization is that the farmers ma.
~ be aided to secure the cooperation
10 from the government and state whicl
~ they merit.
~ H. M. Street, president of the Lam
Do Owners Association, added the infor
% nation that the Klickitat Irrigation
90 & Power company had signed $4,000
90 acres for 80 inches Of water. He ais
00 ~~~>~>~,>~~