Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1918-09-20
ACT NO. 258.
Senate Bill No. 1l3-By Mr.. Smith.


JOINT RESOLUTION
to the people Of the state
Of Louisiana, at the Congressional
election to be held in November. 1913.
an amendment to the Constitution or
the State authorizing corporations
formed or to be formed under the
laws of this State for the purpose OF
constructing and operating canals for
irrigation and navigation. as well as
plants for the generation and distri-
button Of hydro-electric power, 10
utilize the waters of the navigable
regulations as may be prescribed by
the State Board of Engineers. for such
purposes; as well as to Cse the de-
serted beds of former navigable
streams that may remain the prop
erty Of the State as reservoirs in
connection with such irrigation
projects: and providing that. at the
end Of seventy (70) years from the
completion of any system OF canals
and hydro electric plants by corpor-
atoms availing themselves OF the au-
thority SO granted. their property and
plants shall become the property of
the State, to be operated by II for
public revenue in such manner as the
Legislature shall direct; and provid-
ing that none of these provisions
shall be construed to apply to canals
in existence on or prior to July l.
whereas. The rice interests Of large
portions Of this State have suffered
great losses for want Of fresh water;
and
for the irrigation Of rice lands from
navigable streams Of the State. hun
dreds of thousands Of acres Of land
now idle can be reclaimed and brought
into cultivation, thus adding to the
wealth and prosperity of the State; and:
h RylH q n
so as to provide irrigation. navigation
and power. and 1t is the States duty to
encourage and promote the organiza-
ton of such concerns:
Section /. Be II resolved by the Cen
eral Assembly OF the State OF Louisi-
ana, two-thirds of all the members
elected to each House concurring. that
the following amendment to the Con-
stitution be submitted to the Qualif1ed
electors of the State for their adoption
or rejection at the Congressional cleo
ton to be held on the first Tuesday af-
ter the first Monday In the month OF
November, 1918. as follows:
Corporations formed or to be formed
under the laws of this State for the
purpose of constructing and operating
canals for irrigation and navigation. as
we'll as plants for the generation and
distribution Of hydro-electric power.
shall have the right. under such regu-
lations as shall be prescribed by the
state Board of Engineers. to utilize for
such purposes the waters or the navi-
gable streams Of this State. as well as
the right to use as reservoirs or for the
storing of water for such purposes the
deserted beds of former navigable
streams which may be the property OF
the state; provided that, at the end OF
seventy (70) years from the complexion
Of any system of canals and hydro
electric plants by corporations awaiting
Themselves OF the authority so granted
their property and plants shall become
the property of the State, to be oper-
eted by Ii for public revenue in such
manner as the Legislature shall direct
and provided further that none or these
provisions shall be construed to apply
TO canals in existence prior to July /
1918.
THAT the Official ballot to be used al
said election shall have printed there.
on the words: For the proposed
amendment to the Constitution of thu
state of Louisiana authorizing the use
| of the waters of the navisable stream!
of the State, under such regulations a:
the State Board of Engineers shall pre-
scribe. as well as the use of deserted
river beds the property Of the Stat
| for reservoir purposes In connection
with such canals. by corporation
| formed or to be formed under the law
| OF this State: and providing that at tn
| end Of 20 years from completion OF tn