Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1918-08-30
ACT NO. 25S,

Senate Bill No. 143-By Mr.. Smith.
JOINT RESOLUTION
Submitting to the people Of the State
of Louisiana, at the Congressional
election to be held in November. 1918.
an amendment to the Constitution Of
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. to
utilize the waters of the navigable
streams of this State. under such
regulations as may be prescribed by
the State Board of Engineers. for such
purposes; as well as to use the de-
serted beds of former navigable
streams that may remain the prop
erty of the State as reservoirs in
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 1,
1918.
Whereas The rice interests of large
portions of this State have suffered
great losses for want of fresh water:
and
Whereas. If water can be furnished
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.
Whereas, Canals can be constructed
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 1. Be 1t 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 qualified
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 |
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 |
well as plants for the generation and |
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 Of 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 completion
Of any system Of canals and hydro
electric plants by corporations availing
themselves Of the authority SO granted.
their property and plants shall become
the property of the State. to be oper-
ated by IT for public revenue in such
manner as the Legislature shall direct;
and provided further that none Of these
provisions shall be construed to apply
TO canals in existence prior to July !.
1913.
Section 2. Be II further resolved. ETC.,
That the official ballot to be used at
said election shall have printed there
On the words: For the proposed
to the Constitution of the
State Of Louisiana authorizing the use
II the waters Of the navigable streams
II the State. under such regulations as
he State Board of Engineers shall pre-
scribe. - well ~ the use Of deserted
liver beds the property Of the State
'or reservoir pufposes IN connection I
With such ca1a1a, by corporations
'ormed or to BE- formed under the laws
II this State: and providing that at the
md Of 70 years. from eopplstion Of the